Graham Arnold, the Australian coach of the Iraqi national football team, has urged FIFA to provide alternative arrangements for Iraq's upcoming World Cup playoff, citing the difficulties players face due to the current war conditions in the Middle East. The Iraqi national team is set to compete for a World Cup spot on November 1 in Monterrey, Mexico, against either Bolivia or Suriname, an opportunity for Iraq to qualify for its second World Cup, the first since 1986.

However, the ongoing instability following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran has severely disrupted Iraq's preparations. Many players, approximately 60% of whom play in the domestic league, are facing challenges in leaving Iraq due to airspace closures. Arnold himself is stranded in the UAE, and the closure of embassies complicates the visa process for Iraqis wanting to go to Mexico, which does not have an embassy in Baghdad, forcing players to rely on Mexican consulates in Qatar or the UAE.

Arnold suggested that Bolivia and Suriname should play their scheduled match as planned, and the winner could face Iraq a week before the World Cup in the U.S. He emphasized that postponing the match would provide Iraq the necessary time to prepare properly, appealing to FIFA for assistance in this precarious situation.