This study aimed to identify the strategic uncertainties shaping the future of sport in Iran’s smart schools by the 2035 SH horizon. In terms of purpose, the study was applied, and in terms of nature, it employed a descriptive–analytical approach grounded in futures studies. The research was conducted using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design with a qualitative–quantitative sequence. In the qualitative phase, 19 experts in school sport, educational technology, and smart schools were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Of these participants, eight were appointed to the steering committee for the quantitative phase based on their professional expertise, familiarity with futures studies, and ability to analyse cross-impact relationships. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and a 28×28 cross-impact matrix questionnaire. The trustworthiness of the qualitative data was assessed based on credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability, as well as member checking and documentation of the analytical process. The validity of the quantitative instrument was evaluated by the steering committee, while the structural reliability of the findings was assessed through the stability of successive MICMAC iterations. Thematic analysis resulted in 70 conceptual codes, 28 subthemes, and eight main themes. In the quantitative phase, the matrix fill rate was 93.88%, and the influence and dependence rankings reached 100% stability in the second iteration. Institutional regulatory agility, the development of innovative financing models, the physical preparedness of schools, the sustainability of digital infrastructure, the penetration of emerging technologies, teachers’ technological competencies, and organisational and family acceptance identified as seven strategic uncertainties.