Iran Bans Sports Teams From Traveling to “Hostile” Countries Amid Security Concerns

TEHRAN — March 26, 2026 — Iran has barred its national and club sports teams from traveling to countries it considers hostile, citing growing safety concerns for athletes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The directive, issued by Iran’s Sports Ministry, applies indefinitely and affects both international competitions and club-level fixtures.

Safety Concerns Drive Decision

Officials said the move was necessary to protect athletes and team personnel, warning that some countries may not be able to guarantee their security under current conditions.

The restriction comes as tensions continue between Iran, the United States and Israel, with the broader regional conflict influencing multiple sectors, including global sports.

Sports federations have been instructed to coordinate with governing bodies to adjust match schedules and venues where necessary.

Impact on Football Competitions

Iran’s football authorities are already engaging with the Asian Football Confederation to relocate fixtures involving Iranian clubs.

One example cited involves a club match originally scheduled in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the immediate disruption to regional competitions.

The restrictions could affect several tournaments and qualifiers across Asia, depending on how long the policy remains in place.

World Cup Participation in Question

The decision also casts uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the upcoming global tournament organized by FIFA.

Iran has already qualified for the competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, security concerns and diplomatic tensions could complicate travel arrangements and match locations.

Iranian football officials have reportedly been in discussions with FIFA about the possibility of relocating their matches to Mexico instead of the United States.

Political Tensions Spill Into Sports

U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that while Iranian players would be allowed to compete, concerns remain about their safety.

The situation reflects how political and military tensions are increasingly affecting international sports, with athletes caught in the middle of broader geopolitical disputes.

Teams Continue Preparations

Despite the restrictions, Iran’s national team is continuing preparations for upcoming matches.

The squad is currently training in Turkey and is scheduled to play friendly games against Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Officials say further decisions will depend on how the security situation evolves in the coming weeks.