The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has caused chaos in the international sports calendar 100 days before the 2026 World Cup. The participation of Iran and Iraq in the tournament is threatened, and prestigious Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may be canceled. Simultaneously, political pressure is mounting in the USA, where the Donald Trump administration is accused of blocking funds for organizing the World Cup.

Threatened Participation of Iran and Iraq

War and visa problems could exclude both countries from the 2026 World Cup, forcing FIFA to select replacements.

Paralysis of Motorsports

Formula 1, MotoGP, and WEC races on the Arabian Peninsula are being canceled or relocated for safety reasons.

Finalissima Changes Location

The Spain vs. Argentina match will likely be moved from the previously safe Qatar to London's Wembley Stadium.

Financial Dispute in the USA

Democrats accuse the Donald Trump administration of deliberately blocking the budget for World Cup preparations.

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has led to an unprecedented crisis that strikes at the foundations of global sport. One hundred days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the participation of Iran's national team in the tournament is in question. Although the tournament's co-hosts from Canada and Mexico declare support for sporting competition, US President Donald Trump has publicly downplayed the potential absence of the Iranians. In parallel, Iraq's national team is grappling with a logistical paralysis that could prevent it from competing in crucial play-offs. The chaos is compounded by an internal political dispute in the USA, where members of the Democratic Party accuse the administration of withholding financial funds designated for the tournament for ideological reasons. The armed conflict directly impacts motorsports, which traditionally start their season on the Arabian Peninsula. Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are on the brink of cancellation, and the WEC series has already postponed its season opener in Qatar. MotoGP leadership admits that organizing a round in this region is currently „very difficult”. Uncertainty also surrounds the football Finalissima — the match between the champions of Europe and South America. The originally planned clash between Spain and Argentina in Doha will likely be moved to London, reflecting the mass exodus of major events from the unstable region. In the last decade, the Middle East has become a global sports hub thanks to a sportswashing strategy, investing billions of dollars in securing the rights to host the World Cup in Qatar and F1 races, making the current paralysis particularly painful for these economies. Despite ongoing hostilities, the Saudi football federation orders clubs to continue domestic competitions, putting foreign stars in a difficult position. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite circulating rumors of an escape by private jet, remains in Saudi Arabia, although an atmosphere of unease is growing. Meanwhile, in Europe, the England national team expressed concern about being used as „political spokespeople” in the face of escalating tensions. FIFA is trying to remain optimistic, highlighting record ticket interest, but experts warn that a „sporting cold war” could permanently alter the structure of the upcoming World Cup. „I really don't care” — Donald Trump „Trump administration withholding World Cup money is 100% political” — Democratic Party Representative

Mentioned People

  • Donald Trump — US President, downplaying Iran's absence from the World Cup and accused of blocking funds for the tournament.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo — Al-Nassr footballer who remained in Saudi Arabia despite the escalation of conflict and bombings.
  • Evelina Christillin — FIFA Council member, speaking about procedures for filling vacant spots in the tournament.