US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupts global sport: Finalissima cancelled, F1 races scrapped, FIFA World Cup withdrawal

Iran’s sports minister recently announced that the country would withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the US.

Updated on: Mar 16, 2026, 06:15:22 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The US and Israel's ongoing conflict with Iran has affected sporting events in the region, leading to them being postponed. Other than that, it has also affected sporting events in other parts of the world, as the conflict has disrupted travel. Thousands of flights have been cancelled due to the disruption.

The Spain vs Argentina Finalissima match has been cancelled. (AFP)

Meanwhile, Iran has also threatened to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US. The US will also host all three of Iran's group-stage matches. Even US President Donald Trump has made matters worse by stating on Twitter that he can't guarantee the safety of Iranian players in his country.

Also Read: Iran Football Team responds to Donald Trump over FIFA World Cup safety comments: ‘No one can exclude us'

Here are some of the major sporting events affected by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran-

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima showdown cancelled

The Finalissima match between Copa America holders Argentina and Euro champions Spain was set to be held in Qatar later this month. But due to the ongoing conflict, the match has been cancelled.

F1 races cancelled, Qatar MotoGP postponed

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were scheduled for April, but have now been cancelled. Meanwhile, MotoGP's Qatar Grand Prix was set for next month, but has now been postponed to November. As a result, the dates of the Portuguese GP and the season finale in Valencia have also been changed.

ATP Challenger event cancelled

Fujairah's ATP Challenger event scheduled for March 3 was cancelled after a security alert halted play. The ATP arranged a charter flight for the players without charging a fee. Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev were among the players.

Paralympic Games affected

Many athletes were unable to travel to Milan for the Winter Paralympics due to travel disruptions. Meanwhile, Iran is not competing either.

The US withdraws from Hockey World Cup qualifier

The US men's hockey team decided to withdraw from a World Cup 2026 qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt, after the State Department issued an official advisory urging all citizens to leave countries within or near conflict zones.

Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka series postponed

The limited-overs series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for March in the UAE has been postponed.

Iraq coach asks FIFA, AFC to postpone World Cup playoff match

Due to travel disruption, Iraq's coach Graham Arnold has asked FIFA and AFC to postpone their playoff game in Mexico in March. They will face either Bolivia or Suriname in Mexico on March 31.

All sporting events cancelled in Iran and possible FIFA World Cup withdrawal

All sporting events in Iran have been cancelled until further notice, including the top-flight football league. The country might also withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran’s sports minister recently announced that the country would withdraw from the tournament, which is co-hosted by the US. But after a recent statement by Donald Trump, Iran reversed its position on the minister’s claim.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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