Expert explains how the Middle East conflict could force FIFA to postpone the 2026 World Cup

March 6, 2026 Oliver Obel

A sports business expert says the 2026 FIFA World Cup is unlikely to be postponed, but a wider escalation of the Middle East conflict could still create challenges for the tournament.

Professor Simon Chadwick, who previously served as research director for the organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has advised international sporting bodies, said rescheduling an event of this scale would be extremely difficult with only months remaining.

“With only three months to go to the World Cup, postponement of the tournament to next year seems unlikely. Logistically, economically and politically, it would be a major challenge to reschedule the mega-event,” Chadwick told SPORTbible.

However, he warned that the situation could change if the conflict spreads beyond the region.

“However, if attacks spill over into Europe and North America, the matter would escalate and become much more serious. Furthermore, if air travel is disrupted or oil supplies are significantly affected, practical considerations might force FIFA and the US to think about alternative arrangements for the competition.”

Escalating tensions

The warning comes amid heightened tensions following a joint strike on Iran by the United States and Israel on 28 February.

According to reporting by SPORTbible, the developments have raised broader questions about the global security climate ahead of the tournament.

The conflict has also created uncertainty around Iran’s participation. Earlier this week, the president of Iran’s football federation said the situation had dampened expectations surrounding the competition.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” the federation chief said.

Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in the United States against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, a scenario that some observers say could present security and diplomatic challenges.

Organisers still planning as normal

For now, FIFA has not indicated that Iran will be removed from the tournament or that the team intends to withdraw.

US Soccer CEO JT Batson said organisers remain focused on ensuring a safe competition.

“FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we’re certainly very supportive of that,” Batson told Sky News on 3 March.

Travel restrictions could also complicate matters for Iranian supporters. SPORTbible reported that Iranian nationals currently face limitations on entering the United States under policies introduced during the Trump administration.

Major sporting events such as the World Cup typically involve extensive international security coordination months before kickoff, and organisers continue to plan on the assumption that the tournament will proceed as scheduled.

Countdown to kickoff

The 2026 World Cup is expected to begin in 98 days, with Mexico opening the tournament in Mexico City against South Africa.

It will be the first edition of the competition to feature 48 national teams, expanding the schedule to 104 matches across three host countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The United States will stage most of the games, including the final, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches.

Preparations across North America are continuing, and there has been no suggestion from FIFA that the tournament schedule will change.

Sources: SPORTbible, Sky News