Iran has prohibited its national and club sports teams from traveling to countries it deems “hostile,” state media reported Thursday, raising uncertainty over upcoming international competitions.

The directive, issued by Iran’s Ministry of Sports, comes ahead of Tractor FC’s scheduled match against Shabab Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia as part of the AFC Champions League Elite playoffs.

In a statement, the ministry said Iranian teams would not be allowed to compete in countries that cannot guarantee the safety of players and staff, citing ongoing regional instability.

The move follows escalating conflict across the Middle East, where multiple countries have been affected by missile and drone strikes. As a result, Iran has instructed its football federation to coordinate with the Asian Football Confederation to relocate affected matches.

The decision could also complicate Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.

Iranian officials have indicated they are in discussions with FIFA to move their group-stage matches out of the United States, citing security concerns amid ongoing hostilities. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the tournament is expected to proceed as scheduled.

Iranian authorities have stated they do not intend to boycott the World Cup but argue that current conditions make travel to the U.S. unsafe, following weeks of military conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.