Iran bans sports teams from traveling to 'hostile' countries

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th March, 12:22 2026

Nov 29, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Iran defender Abolfazl Jalali (25) dribbles the ball against the United States of America during the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images

Iran has banned the nation's sports teams from traveling to "hostile" countries, Iranian state TV reported Thursday.

The ban did not specifically mention this summer's FIFA World Cup, taking place in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The Ministry of Sports in Tehran's statement singled out an upcoming soccer playoff game that is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in April.

"The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice," read the statement.

The ongoing war in Iran has impacted the entire Middle East region since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes that killed Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28.

Regarding the World Cup, Iranian officials are lobbying to move the team's scheduled games in the U.S. to Mexico.

On March 12, U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged Iran from participating in the World Cup, saying, "I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," per CBS Sports.

--Field Level Media

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