US President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as escalating conflict in the Middle East casts uncertainty over a series of major sporting events.
The United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran on Saturday, with tensions since spreading across the region. Against that backdrop, questions have emerged over Iran’s involvement in next year’s World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June and July.
Iran have already qualified and are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States, beginning with a fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
Asked about Iran’s participation, President Trump told Politico, "I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
Iraq play-off in doubt amid travel disruption
Regional instability is also affecting Iraq, who are due to face the winners of Bolivia versus Suriname in an intercontinental World Cup play-off in Monterrey on 31 March, with a place at the tournament at stake.
In a statement, the Iraqi national team said discussions with FIFA were ongoing.
"FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of every development regarding our team’s situation,” the Iraqi national team said.
“Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.”
Tennis tournaments cancelled after security fears
The conflict has already had a tangible impact on other sporting events in the region. The Fujairah Open, a second-tier event on the ATP Challenger Tour in the United Arab Emirates, was cancelled after nearby drone strikes and an attack on an oil terminal forced players off the court.
Ukrainian player Vladyslav Orlov wrote on social media that he heard fighter jets overhead during his qualifying match and described the situation as “not very safe."
The ATP subsequently cancelled both the Fujairah Open and a second tournament due to be staged at the same venue next week.
An initial communication to players indicated they could reserve seats on a charter flight for €5,000, but the governing body later confirmed it would cover the cost of travel.
A statement seen by the Press Association read, "A charter flight has been arranged and fully funded by the ATP to assist with departures from the region at no cost to players.”
Several leading players who had remained in Dubai following the Dubai Championships also sought to leave the region. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov exited via Oman, while British doubles player Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara have since departed.
Heliovaara recounted on his blog how they initially attempted to cross into Muscat but were turned back at the border before eventually securing a flight from Dubai to Milan.
Football and cricket fixtures under review
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said his side’s Europa Conference League last-16 tie against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus on 19 March was, for now, expected to proceed despite reports of an attack on a British base on the island.
“Yes, that’s our information,” Glasner told a press conference. “Of course, we are aware, and we are in contact with UEFA. So right now it looks like we will play there in two-and-a-half weeks, but nobody knows what the next weeks are bringing in the Middle East.”
A UEFA spokesperson said on Tuesday that it was “closely monitoring the situation”, adding, "All matches due to take place in Europe in the upcoming weeks are currently planned to be played as scheduled.”
England’s women’s cricket team have also been forced to reconsider their plans after a training camp in Abu Dhabi was cancelled.
Several English counties, including Durham, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, have cancelled pre-season tours to the UAE, with Yorkshire relocating to Spain. Glamorgan’s trip to Oman has also been scrapped, and Worcestershire are expected to follow suit.
Elsewhere, a decision is expected next week on whether to relocate the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, currently scheduled for 27 March in Qatar. UEFA, which is organising the match alongside Conmebol, has said no alternative venues are presently under consideration.
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