West Asia war: Iran bans sports teams from visiting 'hostile' countries

Iran has banned its national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice, citing concerns over athlete safety, Iranian media reported on Thursday. The Sports Ministry issued the directive amid rising tensions affecting the nation’s sporting engagements.

The ministry stated that the presence of Iranian teams in countries deemed hostile and unable to guarantee the security of athletes and team members is prohibited. This move directly impacts Iran’s participation in international competitions, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Iranian football federation and clubs have been instructed to notify the Asian Football Confederation to facilitate the relocation of match venues. The ministry referenced Tractor FC’s recent match against a United Arab Emirates team in Saudi Arabia but



did not specify which venues or countries are considered hostile.

Iran has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the team’s participation is under threat due to the travel ban and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. and Israel.

Earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that while Iran’s national team is welcome to compete in the U.S., concerns remain regarding their safety. This has added uncertainty to Iran’s World Cup plans.

In response, the Iranian football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving Iran’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, federation President Mehdi Taj said last week. These talks aim to secure Iran’s continued participation in the tournament.