Iraq's World Cup Hopes Hang in Balance

0:00Hey, it's Corey, with Sydney News Today. Your city, your news, every day. Iraq's push for a World Cup spot is hitting major roadblocks from the Middle East conflict. Their head coach, Graham Arnold, is stuck in the United Air of Emirates because of closed airspace. The team is set to face either Bolivia or Suriname and a crucial playoff match in Monterey, Mexico on March 31st. On top of that, several Iraqi players, along with technical and medical staff, cannot secure visas. Many embassies are shut down right now, making travel to Mexico impossible. The Iraq Football Federation shared this update on social media. The stakes are high for this intercontinental playoff, which decides one of the last two spots for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Officials say they're in close talks with FIFA, and the Asian Football Confederation knows all about the issues. Iraq has only made the World Cup finals once before, back in 1986 in Mexico.

1:02Arnold, a former coach for Australia's Socarus who reached the round of 16 in Qatar two years ago, joined Iraq last May, but now faces these. Huge hurdles. There is a backup plan though. If Iran cannot join the tournament due to ongoing attacks from the United States and Israel, Iraq might get another shot at qualifying. For now, the Federation is working nonstop to sort things out. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode, relax deeper, reset faster. Come for you can hear S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com