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Iran’s women’s soccer team appeared to turn from its silence at the Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday, singing and saluting during their national anthem before the game against Australia.
Meanwhile, Iranian fans voiced support for President Donald Trump in the stands amid the ongoing joint military campaign against Iran.
Before the start of the match against Australia, the women’s team especially participated in the performance of the national anthem. The women were seen greeting as the rain added to the somber moment.
Islamic Republic of Iran players line up for the national anthems ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia Matildas at Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia on March 5, 2026. (Albert Perez/Getty Images)
It was in stark contrast to the opening match against South Korea, where the women’s squad stood still as Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance amid the ongoing joint military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran.
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However, according to reports, the squad was “instructed” to take part in their next match. The team has remained silent on the subject since before the start of the tournament. The Women’s Asian Cup did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The night before Iran’s 4-0 loss to Australia, Iran striker Sara Didar choked back tears as she shared the players’ and management’s concerns for their families and loved ones amid the war.
“Of course we are all concerned and we are saddened by what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar said in comments translated into English during a news conference. “I really hope that our country has good news ahead. And I hope that my country will be strong alive.”
Iranian supporters hold a banner during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 soccer match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
Jafari and other players declined to answer questions about the war at their opening press conference on Sunday. On Wednesday, moderators asked reporters to stick to football-related questions.
Meanwhile, supporters of Iran voiced their support for Trump and a free Iran during Thursday’s game. Flags from before the Islamic revolution were seen being waved in the crowd, while others held up signs with letters spelling out Trump’s name.
Iranian supporters display signs expressing support for US President Donald Trump during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 soccer match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
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In his first video remarks sent to Truth Social, Trump encouraged the Iranian people to take over their government once the US and Israel ended “major combat operations” in Iran.
“The hour for your freedom is near. Stay sheltered. Do not leave your home. It is very dangerous outside,” he said, addressing the Iranian people. “This will probably be your only chance for generations. For years you’ve asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I’m willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who will give you what you want.”
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