As the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel coalition intensifies, sky sports We look at how the Middle East crisis affects sport.
Soccer – Will Iran play in the World Cup?
iranian Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into doubt after co-hosts the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes last weekend following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict escalated as Iran launched attacks against U.S. allies and assets in the Middle East.
“We cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taji, president of the Iranian Football Federation, told state media. He added that “sports chiefs” will make the final decision on whether people can take part in competitions.
“I think it is premature to comment in detail,” FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom said on Saturday. “Of course we will be watching the developments of all issues around the world and I think we have made the final draw in Washington with all the teams participating. Of course, our focus is to have a safe World Cup with participation for everyone.”
Sky Sports News We contacted FIFA on Monday (3 February) and understand that their position has not changed in the last 48 hours.
The 2026 World Cup starts on June 11.
So what options will FIFA have if Iran is eliminated from the World Cup?
World football’s governing body has the right to request a replacement player if Iran does not participate. Or you could change the tournament structure slightly.
Article 6 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations focuses on cases of non-participation. Regulation 6.5 relates to “force majeure”, which is an unforeseen event. “If a participating Member Association withdraws or is unable to play a match or is suspended due to Force Majeure, the Authorized FIFA Organizing Body (including the Tournament Operations Centre) shall decide the matter in its sole discretion and take any action it deems necessary.”
Regulation 6.7 states: “If any participating member association withdraws and/or is excluded from FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide the matter in its sole discretion and take whatever action it deems necessary. FIFA may decide to replace that participating member association with another association.”
In summary, if Iran does not play or is unable to play, FIFA has two options. This could mean drafting an alternate country or changing the competition rules so that the Iran group consists of three teams.
Iran was placed in Group G along with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.
Who can replace Iran?
Iran automatically advanced to the World Cup finals, while the United Arab Emirates lost in the automatic qualifying round and advanced to the playoffs. If Iran does not play in the tournament, Iran will be the closest replacement.
Iraq could only be an option if they fail to qualify for the intercontinental play-offs against Bolivia or Suriname in Mexico later this month. However, regulations state that FIFA may decide to select a team from any association for which Iran is eligible, not just the Asian Football Confederation.
Formula 1 – Season opener to be held
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Sky Sports Formula One reporter Craig Slater explains how the current conflict in the Middle East could affect Australia’s opening race and the F1 calendar.
Formula 1 is “closely monitoring” the ongoing conflict in the Middle East alongside its upcoming races. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month.
It is expected that there will be no impact on the season opening. Australian Grand Prix This weekend, some flights for staff were rearranged with plans to transit in the Middle East on their way to Melbourne.
However, the Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to be held from April 10 to 12, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is scheduled to be held from April 17 to 19.
An F1 spokesperson said: “The next three races will be held in Australia, China and Japan, but not the Middle East. These races will not be held for several weeks.”
“As always, we are closely monitoring situations like this and working closely with the relevant authorities.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Safety and well-being will guide our decisions as we evaluate upcoming events (in the Middle East).”
Cricket – Lions Tour Canceled
The ECB issued a statement on Saturday confirming it was following government advice and the cancellation of Sunday’s 50-over match between the Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi.
But on Monday they confirmed the remainder of the Lions’ tour and England Women’s proposed trip to Abu Dhabi for their T20 Women’s World Cup camp will not go ahead.
“We are working to get everyone home as quickly as possible,” the statement said.
british The men’s national team is currently competing in the T20 World Cup, with the semi-finals taking place in India.
Live ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Thursday, March 5th at 1pm
The players are scheduled to travel to Mumbai as planned for Thursday’s semi-final, but the ECB said: “The safety and security of our team and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and governments in relation to current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.”
that west indies and Zimbabwe Teams delayed their return home from India after leaving the tournament due to the closure of international airspace.
england Jonny Bairstow On social media, he said he remained in Dubai with his family over the weekend, saying he had written to Emirates Airlines about the cancellation of his flight.
Bairstow wrote to
“I am in Dubai with my young family. Of course England Lions security staff will do their best to get them out of Abu Dhabi, but I am trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here.”
Tennis – players’ plans interrupted
Daniil Medvedev He is one of several tennis players and teammates who have seen their travel plans disrupted as they try to leave Dubai.
The former US Open champion had just won the Dubai Tennis Championships after scheduled opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew ahead of the final due to injury.
Tennis star Daniil Medvedev has had his travel plans disrupted by the crisis.
Medvedev is scheduled to play at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, with the main draw scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
On his Instagram, Russian tennis shop Bolshe reposted a report confirming his safety after his flight was canceled on Monday.
“The health, safety and well-being of players, staff and tournament officials is our top priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.
“They and their team are accommodated in the official hotel of the tournament, where their immediate needs are fully supported.
“We are engaging directly with those affected, as well as tournament organizers and security advisors. At this stage, travel assessments are subject to ongoing evaluation in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to players and teams to ensure safe departure when conditions allow.”
Winter Paralympic Games – Athletes face travel issues
The International Paralympic Committee said some athletes were facing difficulties traveling to Milan-Cortina ahead of the Games, which begin on Friday.
“We are in close contact with all delegations participating in the Games, as well as other stakeholders. Many teams are already attending training or holding camps in Europe, but the closure of Middle East airspace is affecting the arrival of some stakeholders,” the IPC said in a statement.
“We do not wish to comment on the status of individual delegations or stakeholders at this stage, but we can assure you that we are working diligently with Milano Cortina 2026 to find a solution for those affected.”
Horse Racing – Doubt and Confusion
In horse racing, the Super Saturday meeting was held at Meydan but suffered further difficulties on Sunday when British racing personnel, including trainers and jockeys, were stranded in Dubai.
trainer Jamie Osborne He was one of many people waiting for news on when they would be able to return to the UK as flights were suspended at Dubai International Airport.
“It’s frustrating because I want to get home and deal with all the things that need to be done at home, but we’re stuck here and it’s very unclear how we’re going to get home or when we’re going to get home,” he said.
Super Saturday may have gone ahead as planned, but Emirates Racing authorities have postponed Sunday’s card to a later date. jebel ali Until March 15th, the next course is set to be a stage race next Sunday. Meydan is also scheduled to race a day earlier, on March 7th.
Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain will host the two-day event. King’s Cup Pinned for Thursday and Friday.
