War tensions threaten World Cup qualification matches

March 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Iraq’s preparations for a crucial World Cup play-off later this month have been thrown into doubt as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts travel across the region.

Officials from the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) say several players and staff members are struggling to secure visas needed to travel to Mexico for the inter-confederation play-off tournament. The complications come as airspace closures and security warnings affect multiple countries in the Gulf.

The play-off tournament is scheduled to take place in Mexico from March 26 to March 31, with six teams from five different confederations competing for the final places at the World Cup. FIFA confirmed Mexico as host in November, with matches set to be played in Monterrey and Guadalajara.

However, the latest geopolitical tensions have created uncertainty for at least one participating team.

Regional conflict affecting travel

The situation intensified after the United States and Israel launched what officials described as a “major combat operation” against Iran earlier this week.

Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli military sites across the Middle East. The escalation has led to temporary airspace closures in several countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Reporting from the BBC indicates that Iraqi airspace has also been closed, while U.S. authorities have advised American citizens in Iraq to leave the country immediately.

The travel disruption could complicate Iraq’s ability to assemble its squad and staff ahead of the play-off matches.

Visa issues and logistical hurdles

Iraq is scheduled to play the inter-confederation play-off final on March 31 against the winner of a match between Bolivia and Suriname.

According to reporting by The Guardian, FIFA has told the Iraqi Football Association that the tournament will go ahead as planned. But a source described as being “close to the Iraqi team” told the newspaper that “there are lots of obstacles to overcome.”

Adding to the logistical challenges, Iraq’s head coach Graham Arnold is currently based in the United Arab Emirates, another country affected by the regional airspace disruptions.

Iraq chasing first World Cup appearance since 1986

Iraq reached the play-offs after winning 12 of their 20 matches in the expanded Asian qualifying competition. Their campaign included a 3–2 aggregate victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final qualifying round.

The national team has not appeared at a World Cup since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.

FIFA regulations outline contingency plans if a qualified nation withdraws from the tournament. In such cases, the governing body may select “a nominated alternate, often the direct runner-up from the relevant qualifying playoff or highest-ranked non-qualified team from that confederation.”

Political reaction

When asked by The Athletic about whether Iran could still participate in the World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the issue.

“I really don't care [if Iran participates],” Trump said. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes.”

Read also: The 2026 World Cup Stadiums

Separate from the geopolitical tensions, concerns had already been raised about security surrounding the play-offs after gang-related violence in parts of Mexico earlier this year. FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously said he was “not worried” about the situation.

Sources: The Guardian, BBC, The Athletic