Iran has barred its national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers “hostile”, in a move that could disrupt upcoming international fixtures and raise fresh concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, which said the safety of Iranian athletes could not be guaranteed in certain countries. According to the statement, teams are now prohibited from competing in such locations “until further notice”.
The directive follows reports that Iranian club Tractor was scheduled to face a team from the United Arab Emirates in Saudi Arabia as part of the AFC Champions League. Authorities said this development prompted the ban.
Iran’s Football Federation and affected clubs have been instructed to formally notify the Asian Football Confederation to seek relocation of any matches scheduled in those countries.
The move comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which intensified instability across the Middle East.
World Cup uncertainty grows
The timing of the decision has raised questions about Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran have already qualified for the tournament, with group-stage matches scheduled to take place in the United States. It remains unclear whether the new policy will affect those fixtures.
Asylum controversy adds pressure
The announcement also follows a recent controversy involving Iran’s women’s football team. Earlier this month, six players and a staff member reportedly sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup.
Iranian authorities labelled them “traitors”, though five of the individuals later returned to Iran. Two are believed to remain in Australia.
The combined developments highlight growing political tensions spilling into sport, potentially affecting Iran’s international sporting engagements in the months ahead.
