The US–Israel strikes on Iran have rippled through the sporting world, forcing postponements, altered travel plans and event cancellations as organizers and teams reassess safety and logistics. Several competitions in the Middle East have been delayed, while events farther afield are adapting to disrupted travel routes and tightened security.
Women’s Asian Cup
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicked off in Australia the day after the airstrikes. On Day 2 Iran, ranked 68th in FIFA’s women’s rankings, lost 3-0 to 21st-ranked South Korea, a match in which South Korea controlled large portions of play.
Formula 1 and motorsport
Formula 1 has downplayed immediate impacts to the season opener: the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is scheduled for March 8, and F1 officials noted the next races are in Australia, China and Japan rather than the Middle East. Still, travel arrangements have been reshaped — Travis Auld, managing director of the Australian Grand Prix, estimated about 1,000 people connected 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 citing safety concerns.
Cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board cancelled the England Lions’ match against the Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi, citing safety and security for teams and staff. The ECB also delayed the England women’s team’s departure to Abu Dhabi. England’s men’s side, competing in the T20 World Cup, is due to travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai for the semifinal against India as planned. The International Cricket Council is arranging alternate flight plans for visiting players and officials returning from the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Basketball
Euroleague Basketball called off the adidas NextGen EuroLeague qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi over safety concerns. The eight-team competition was abandoned during the second quarter of the opening match between Monaco and Aris Thessaloniki after consultations with authorities and stakeholders.
Domestic and continental football
Several domestic leagues and associations have suspended fixtures, 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 and said AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 ties will be rescheduled. The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, set for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, is now in doubt.
Paralympics and athlete participation
Both Iran and Israel currently have athletes qualified for the Milan–Cortina Paralympics, which open on March 6: Iran’s Abolfazl Khatibi, a 23-year-old para cross-country skier, and Israel’s Sheina Vaspi, a 24-year-old para alpine skier who competed in Beijing 2022. It is unclear how the conflict might affect their attendance.
Men’s World Cup uncertainty
A major outstanding question is whether Iran’s men’s national 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 confirm whether the team will take part.
The situation remains fluid, with organizers, federations and athletes continuing to monitor security assessments and adjust plans accordingly.
Edited by: Matt Pearson