Graham Arnold, the head coach of Iraq's national football team, has formally requested FIFA to postpone their playoff match for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for the end of March in Mexico. The request stems from the ongoing tensions and warfare in the Middle East, which have left many Iraqi players and staff unable to travel safely. Arnold highlighted that approximately 60% of his players are currently located in Iraq, while their medical staff is based in Qatar, posing significant challenges for the team’s preparations and travel to the match.