Iraq's coach has a bizarre suggestion - we can replace Iran at the World Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.03.26. | 16:00
The ongoing war has triggered various ideas, but this latest one stands out...
Iraq could find itself on an unexpected path to the World Cup, with head coach Graham Arnold suggesting the team may replace Iran if their neighbours withdraw from the tournament.
The Australian coach revealed the possibility while also urging FIFA to reconsider Iraq's upcoming inter-confederation playoff, which is currently scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. Iraq are set to face the winner of Bolivia vs Suriname for one of the final two spots at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, the bigger question may revolve around Iran.
"If Iran withdraws, we go into the World Cup," Arnold said, hinting that Iraq could be next in line if FIFA is forced to reshuffle the field.
For now, Iraq are still preparing for the playoff, but travel logistics have become a major problem. Iraq, along with several other countries in the region, closed its airspace after military strikes by the United States and Israel on neighbouring Iran.
The disruption has already had direct consequences for the national team. According to Iraqi officials, Arnold himself was unable to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the closures, while several players and staff members have struggled to obtain visas for Mexico because embassies in the region remain shut.
Arnold believes the situation makes proper preparation almost impossible and has proposed a solution to FIFA: delay Iraq’s decisive match.
"In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly," he said. "Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then, a week before the World Cup, we face the winner in the United States. The winner stays on and the loser goes home."
But even that scenario may ultimately depend on what happens with Iran.
A potential withdrawal could trigger a reshuffle in the qualification picture, and Iraq are ready if that door opens.
"Our federation president, Adnan Dirjal, is working around the clock trying to make everyone in Iraq's dream come true," Arnold said.
The stakes are enormous. Iraq have not qualified for a World Cup in four decades - a fact Arnold says played a major role in his decision to take the job.
"The Iraqi people are incredibly passionate about football," he added. "The fact they haven't qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job."