The 2026 FIFA World Cup, as stated by FIFA, will be held on schedule, despite concerns raised by the conflict in the Middle East and potential issues with the qualification match schedule. Questions have arisen regarding the intercontinental playoff match for the Iraqi national team, which is scheduled for March 31 in Mexico. The Iraqi team will face the winner of the matchup between Bolivia and Suriname.
Graham Arnold, the head coach of the Iraqi national team, reported significant logistical difficulties. Some players and team members are still waiting for visas, and the closure of airspace in the region creates additional obstacles for the team to travel to the match. In this regard, he suggested postponing the meeting to give the players more time to prepare. Arnold believes it would be more reasonable to first hold the match between Bolivia and Suriname, and then Iraq could play against the winner of that matchup.
These issues have arisen against the backdrop of escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, leading to mutual attacks and flight restrictions in several countries in the region. Nevertheless, FIFA emphasized that the organization of the tournament is not in jeopardy. The World Cup, which will be the first to feature 48 teams, will take place in stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Haimo Shirgi, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, noted that the organization hopes for an improvement in the situation and is confident in adhering to the planned schedule for the championship. So far, there have been no official statements regarding possible changes to the qualification calendar.
