World Cup Playoffs Could Be Postponed Amid Middle East Crisis

World Cup Playoffs Could Be Postponed Amid Middle East Crisis

Sampson Adedeji

The intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for March 23–31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, face potential disruption due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and the closure of multiple Middle Eastern airspaces, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Iraq, set to play the winner of Suriname vs. Bolivia in the final of its playoff bracket on March 31 in Monterrey, is encountering significant logistical hurdles. 

The closure of Iraqi airspace, widespread flight cancellations in the region, and the shutdown of several embassies are complicating visa processing and preventing many squad members primarily domestically based players from traveling to Mexico.

Iraqi national team coach Graham Arnold, together with the Iraqi Football Federation, has formally requested FIFA to postpone the fixture, citing the impossibility of preparing and fielding a team under fair conditions. 

Their proposal suggests allowing the Suriname-Bolivia match to proceed as planned, while postponing Iraq’s final to a date closer to the start of the World Cup.

FIFA has yet to issue a public decision but is reportedly “monitoring the situation closely” in coordination with the Iraqi federation and the Asian Football Confederation. 

A key question remains: 

if Iraq’s request is granted, will only its final be affected, or will adjustments be needed for the other half of the playoff draw, including the bracket featuring Jamaica, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo?