Mexico vs suriname

By Vikram Nair / 09.03.2026

Iraq is seen as the most likely candidate to replace Iran should they withdraw from the World Cup due to the war. The playoff match against Suriname is scheduled to take place in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. However, recent developments have raised concerns about Iraq’s ability to participate.

Breaking Development

Iraq has formally requested to postpone the World Cup playoff game against Suriname. The request comes as Iraq’s airspace remains closed due to ongoing conflict, severely affecting travel plans for the team. Currently, half of the Iraqi squad is located in Baghdad and unable to travel, while the head coach, Graham Arnold, is stranded in Dubai.

Graham Arnold has expressed his concerns regarding the safety of his players, stating, “I will not permit my players to travel by road while the conflict is ongoing.” FIFA has suggested an alternative route for the players to travel from Baghdad to Istanbul by road, which is estimated to take around 25 hours.

Next Steps

The Iraqi Football Association (FA) is actively lobbying FIFA for a swift decision on the postponement request. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, as Iraq has already qualified for one of two finals in the intercontinental playoffs, making their participation crucial.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the outcome of the postponement request and the potential impact on the playoff schedule.