With the conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces intensifying, Sky Sports looks at how the Middle East crisis is affecting sport.
Football — will Iran play at World Cup?
Iran’s participation at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question after the United States — co-hosts — and Israel launched air strikes at the country over the weekend, as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. The conflict has spread, with Iran launching attacks against US allies and assets in the Middle East.
Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj told local state media that “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.” He added that “sports chiefs” would make a final decision on whether they could play or not.
FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafström said: “I think it’s premature to comment on it in detail, but of course we will monitor the developments around all issues around the world, and I think we had the final draw in Washington where all teams participated, and of course our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.” Sky Sports News contacted FIFA and understands FIFA’s stance has not changed in the last 48 hours.
So if Iran pull out of the World Cup, what options do FIFA have?
FIFA can call in a replacement or alter the tournament makeup. Article 6 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations covers non-participation. Regulation 6.5 relates to “force majeure,” allowing the authorised FIFA organising body to decide and take necessary action if a participating association withdraws or a match cannot be played as a result of unforeseen events. Regulation 6.7 states FIFA may replace any withdrawn or excluded participating association at its sole discretion.
In summary, FIFA could either draft in a replacement nation or alter the rules so Iran’s group becomes a three-team section. Iran are drawn in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
Who could replace Iran?
Iran qualified automatically. The United Arab Emirates lost out on an automatic spot and went out in play-offs, making them the closest replacement. Iraq might be considered if they fail in their intercontinental play-off in Mexico later this month against Bolivia or Suriname. Under the rules, FIFA could select any association, not just from the Asian Football Confederation.
Formula 1 — season-opener set to go ahead
Formula 1 is “closely monitoring” the ongoing conflict with races upcoming in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. No impact is expected for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend, although some personnel flights were rearranged as people planned to changeover in the Middle East en route to Melbourne.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for April 10-12 and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for April 17-19. “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks,” said an F1 spokesperson. “As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there [in the Middle East].”
Cricket — Lions tour cancelled
The ECB announced it was following government advice and cancelled Sunday’s 50-over game between the Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi. On Monday, they confirmed the remainder of the Lions’ tour and England Women’s proposed trip to Abu Dhabi for a T20 Women’s World Cup camp would not go ahead. “We are working to get everyone home as soon as possible,” the ECB said.
England’s men are competing in the T20 World Cup, with semi-finals in India. Players are set to travel to Mumbai as planned for Thursday’s semi-final, though the ECB insists “the safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.”
The West Indies and Zimbabwe teams have delayed their return from India after exits from the tournament due to international airspace closures. England’s Jonny Bairstow said on social media he remains in Dubai with his family after a cancelled flight, clarifying he is not with the England Lions team and is trying to keep his family safe and get them out of the region.
Tennis — players’ plans disrupted
Daniil Medvedev is among players and team members to have seen travel disrupted as he tries to leave Dubai after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships, where Tallon Griekspoor withdrew injured before the final. Medvedev is due to compete at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in California.
His Instagram reposted a report confirming his safety after flights were cancelled. The ATP Tour said a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the event and are being accommodated in official hotels with needs supported. “We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organizers and security advisors. At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance.”
Winter Paralympics — athletes facing travel issues
The International Paralympic Committee said some athletes face issues travelling to Milan-Cortina ahead of the Games beginning on Friday. “We are in close contact with all delegations competing at the Games as well as other stakeholders. Many of the teams are already in Europe attending training or holding camps, but the closure of airspace in the Middle East is impacting the arrival of some stakeholders,” the IPC said. They added they are working with Milano Cortina 2026 to find solutions for those affected.
Horse racing — doubts and disruption
The Super Saturday meeting went ahead at Meydan, but Sunday brought challenges as British racing personnel, including trainers and jockeys, were stranded in Dubai after flights suspended from Dubai International Airport. Trainer Jamie Osborne said he was stuck and uncertain when he could return to the UK.
The Emirates Racing Authority postponed Sunday’s card at Jebel Ali until March 15, with the course next set to stage racing next Sunday. Meydan is slated to race a day earlier on March 7. Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain is set to host the two-day King’s Cup fixture on Thursday and Friday.