General information How the Iran war affects the sports world
Cancellations, asylum, fear: like all socio-political crises, the armed conflicts in the Middle East have an impact on sport. Even on the World Cup this summer?
14.03.2026, 04:17
SDA
War knows no superstars. The soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are also affected by the effects of the Iran war, just like many other athletes. In Iran, sport has come to a complete standstill in the face of attacks by the USA and Israel, and Iran's retaliatory actions with missiles and drones are causing chaos in the Middle East. Competitions are being canceled or are on the brink of being canceled, athletes are stranded or fleeing in adventurous ways - and the World Cup next summer is already casting a big shadow.
The competitions
After the spectacular start to the season in Melbourne, those responsible in Formula 1 now have to make a difficult decision: Can the Grand Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia take place on April 12 and 19? A decision is expected in mid-March.
There have already been several cancellations of sporting events due to security concerns as a result of the military escalation in the region: a high-paying equestrian tournament in Qatar, basketball matches in the EuroLeague with teams from Tel Aviv and Dubai, the start of the World Endurance Championship season in motorsport in Doha, football matches such as that of the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo. In addition, the football and handball leagues in Qatar are suspended indefinitely.
The "Finalissima" in football between Copa America winners Argentina with Messi and European champions Spain on March 27 in Doha is also in doubt. A decision on whether to cancel or postpone the prestigious clash is expected to be made soon. Meanwhile, airspace closures and a lack of visas are making Iraq's plans for the World Cup play-offs considerably more difficult.
The athletes
After his tournament victory in Dubai, Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev and other professionals were stuck in the desert metropolis due to a flight ban. After a long wait and anxious moments, he drove by car to Oman, from where planes were still taking off. "You feel like you're in a Hollywood movie," said Medvedev.
The football goalkeeper Marko Johansson, who used to play in Germany, left his Iranian club Tractor when an air raid shook the building at the training ground. As he fled to the Turkish border, he saw from his car "how the Iranians were preparing missiles for a counter-attack".
The Gulf states
Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have spent huge amounts of money in recent years to bring important sporting events to their countries. Among other things, those responsible wanted to reduce their economic dependence on the oil business, but according to critics, they also wanted to divert attention from human rights problems.
The latest cancellations of sporting events are "damaging to the 'Gulf brand' in terms of reputation and business," said Islamic scholar Sebastian Sons in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. This is "an absolute nightmare for these countries - especially when it comes to their image as a center of global sport".
Iran
Following their elimination from the Asian Cup, six Iranian female footballers were granted asylum in Australia. The case made headlines around the world, especially as US President Donald Trump intervened with pithy words. Observers fear that the returning players and their families could face consequences for remaining silent during the national anthem in the first group match. This was seen as a protest against the Iranian leadership.
No sporting events are currently taking place in Iran itself due to the threatening situation. The only Iranian nominated for the Winter Paralympics, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, decided against taking part in the competitions in northern Italy due to the uncertainty of the journey.
The World Cup
There are still three months to go until the XXL World Cup kicks off in the USA, Mexico and Canada. But in view of the ongoing war, it is hardly conceivable that Iran will play its three group matches in the USA as planned. He "really doesn't care" whether Iran takes part or not, Trump said recently. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has now reported that the US President has assured him that the Iranian team will be allowed to compete.
However, Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donjamali recently ruled out his country's participation in the USA. According to Article 6.2 of the FIFA rules and regulations, a voluntary withdrawal more than 30 days before the start of the World Cup costs 250,000 Swiss francs and double that amount if the withdrawal is made at shorter notice. The country would also risk being excluded from the 2030 World Cup.
But one thing is clear: if the war is not ended before the start of the World Cup on June 11, a huge shadow would be cast over the tournament - accompanied by socio-political discussions, protests and major security concerns. Either way, it will be "even more politicized than the World Cup in Qatar", believes scientist Sons: "Sport cannot escape the global situation."
