The US-Israel war with Iran has prompted postponements and travel changes across sport. Events in the region have been delayed and competitions farther afield have been affected as organizers and teams rearrange logistics. Many questions remain unanswered.
Iranian women kick off Women’s Asian Cup campaign
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup began in Australia the day after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. On Day 2, Iran, ranked 68th in FIFA’s women’s rankings, faced 21st-ranked South Korea and lost 3-0, with South Korea dominating the match.
Formula 1: Australian GP to go ahead
Formula 1 officials have played down the conflict’s impact on the 2026 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8. An F1 spokesman noted the next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East, and that the sport is monitoring the situation closely and working with authorities. Nevertheless, travel plans have been reshaped: Travis Auld, managing director of the Australian Grand Prix, estimated around 1,000 people linked to the race needed alternative routes, with many avoiding Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha in favor of Singapore or Hong Kong. Tire supplier Pirelli cancelled planned wet-weather tyre testing at Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit for safety reasons.
Cricket: England Lions match canceled; T20 travel changes
The England and Wales Cricket Board canceled the England Lions’ match against the Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi, citing safety and security for teams and staff. The ECB delayed the England women’s team’s departure to Abu Dhabi, while the men’s side, competing in the T20 World Cup, will travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai for Thursday’s semifinal against India as planned. The International Cricket Council is working on alternate flight plans for visiting players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Basketball: EuroLeague cancels under-18 tournament
Euroleague Basketball cancelled the adidas NextGen EuroLeague qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi over safety concerns. The eight-team competition was called off during the second quarter of the opening match between Monaco and Aris Thessaloniki after consultation with authorities and stakeholders.
Domestic football and continental competitions affected
Several regional football associations suspended play, including the Qatar FA, Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League and the Israeli Premier League. The Asian Football Confederation postponed continental club championship playoffs in the Middle East, saying AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 games would be rescheduled. The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, is now in doubt.
Paralympics: Iranian and Israeli athletes qualified
Iran and Israel each have one athlete qualified for the Milan Cortina Paralympics, which open on March 6. Iran’s Abolfazl Khatibi (23) is a para cross-country skier; Israel’s Sheina Vaspi (24) is a para alpine skier who competed at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics. It is unclear how the conflict might affect their participation.
Men’s World Cup: Will Iran participate?
A major question is whether Iran’s men’s team will participate in the FIFA World Cup this summer in the United States. Iran’s group matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. The president of Iran’s football federation has said he cannot yet say whether the team will take part.
Edited by: Matt Pearson