Iraq Soccer Coach Pleads for FIFA to Delay World Cup Playoff Amid US-Israel-Iran Tensions

Iraq's men's football team coach Graham Arnold is urging FIFA to delay his team's intercontinental qualifier for the World Cup due to disruptions caused by the escalating US-Israel war on Iran. The potential conflict has created uncertainty and instability in Iraq, where many people have family ties in Iran. Arnold believes that delaying the match would help minimize the risk of any potential backlash against Iraqi players who may be perceived as supporting Iran. This delay could provide a much-needed window for calm to return to the region before the World Cup qualifying matches resume.