Will Iran Play in the US‑Co‑hosted World Cup? Middle East Conflict Ripple Effects Across Sport

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is in doubt as the Iran‑US‑Israel conflict escalates, prompting FIFA, F1 and other bodies to re‑evaluate safety and logistics. Organisers across football, motorsport, cricket, tennis, the Paralympics and horse racing are scrambling to protect athletes while keeping schedules intact.

Why it matters:

• Iran's exit would force a Group G reshuffle; FIFA can replace the team under force‑majeure rules.
• Ongoing hostilities endanger players, staff and fans at Middle‑East events.
• Delays or cancellations could cost sponsors, broadcasters and host cities millions.

The details:

• Football: Iran sits in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. FIFA can insert a standby (UAE) or run the group with three teams.
• Formula 1: Bahrain (April 10‑12) and Saudi Arabia (April 17‑19) races will go ahead, but teams have rerouted flights and the sport is monitoring security closely.
• Cricket & Tennis: England Lions' UAE tour cancelled; both men’s and women’s squads withdrawn. Medvedev stranded in Dubai after the Dubai Championships, with ATP providing accommodation.
• Paralympics & Horse racing: Some Milan‑Cortina delegations face travel hurdles from Middle‑East airspace closure; IPC seeking alternatives. Meydan’s Super Saturday ran, but the Jebel Ali meeting was postponed, leaving British trainers and jockeys stuck in Dubai.

What's next:

• FIFA will convene a special meeting to decide on a possible replacement before the June draw.
• F1 will issue security updates for the Bahrain and Saudi races as the situation evolves.
• The IOC, ATP and other governing bodies continue contingency planning, ready to adjust logistics if the conflict spreads further.