Iraq’s hopes of qualifying for first World Cup finals in 40 years under threat amid regional conflict

BEIRUT: Iraq’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years are threatened by the US-Israeli war against Iran. Iran responded to airstrikes by the US and Israel, which began on Saturday, by launching missiles and drones at a number of Gulf nations, many of which subsequently closed their airspace. Graham Arnold, the head coach of the Iraqi national team, is currently unable to leave the UAE because of this.