FIFA breaks silence on World Cup delay fears amid Middle East war

March 11, 2026 Oliver Obel

Travel disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect football’s road to the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about upcoming qualification matches.

One of the fixtures under pressure is Iraq’s inter-confederation play-off, scheduled for March 31 in Mexico against either Bolivia or Suriname. The match is part of the final stage of World Cup qualification, where teams from different regions compete for the last remaining tournament places.

According to The Guardian, logistical problems have already emerged. Several Iraqi players and team staff are reportedly still waiting for visas, while regional airspace closures have complicated travel plans.

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said the situation has made preparation extremely difficult.

“Please help us with this game, because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold told the Australian news agency AAP.

“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly.”

Arnold has suggested an alternative schedule in which Bolivia and Suriname would play first, with Iraq meeting the winner closer to the start of the World Cup in the United States. He argued that postponing the fixture could ease travel complications and give teams more time to prepare.

Regional conflict driving disruption

The travel problems come amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Reports say the United States and Israel launched what officials described as a “major combat operation” against Iran on February 28. Later that day, Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in an airstrike targeting his office in Tehran.

Iran subsequently launched missile strikes against US and Israeli military bases across parts of the Middle East, prompting widespread airspace closures across the region.

Iranian authorities later announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, had been appointed as the country’s new supreme leader. Officials in Tehran have also vowed to continue retaliatory attacks.

US President Donald Trump said the conflict could be nearing its end, telling reporters the war was “very complete, pretty much” and ahead of schedule.

FIFA says World Cup plans remain unchanged

Despite the growing instability, FIFA officials have indicated that the 2026 World Cup itself is not expected to be affected.

The tournament the first to feature an expanded 48-team format will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking to NBC 5 Dallas, FIFA chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi said the governing body expects the competition to proceed as planned.

“At some stage, we will have a resolution, and the World Cup will go on obviously,” Schirgi said.

“The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.”

For now, FIFA has not announced any changes to the qualification calendar, though the situation surrounding Iraq’s play-off remains uncertain as travel restrictions continue.

Sources: The Guardian, NBC 5 Dallas, AAP