Iran Women Knocked Out of Asian Cup, Face Uncertainty Over Return Home

Iran’s women’s football team has been knocked out of the AFC Women's Asian Cup after losing their final group match, leaving the squad facing uncertainty over their return home amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Iran was defeated 2–0 by the Philippines on Sunday, ending their hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals of the continental tournament being held in Australia. The team had travelled to the country last month, before the conflict escalated following US–Israel strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran has no further official commitments in the tournament, which concludes with the final on March 21 .

Teams eliminated in the group stage usually depart within a few days, but organisers have not yet confirmed when the Iranian delegation will leave Australia.

Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said the players wished to return home as soon as possible. Speaking after the match, she said the team was eager to be back with their families and country during the difficult situation.

The squad had drawn attention earlier in the tournament when players remained silent during the national anthem before their opening defeat to South Korea. The gesture was interpreted by some observers as a form of protest and by others as an expression of mourning over the situation in Iran. However, the players later sang the anthem before their subsequent matches against Australia and the Philippines.

Concerns about the players’ safety have also emerged during the tournament. The Australian Iranian Council wrote to Australian authorities urging them to ensure the welfare of the team while they remain in the country. The group launched an online petition that gathered over 50,000 signatures , calling for protections if any player feared persecution or harm upon returning to Iran.

Iran forward Sara Didar became emotional during a press conference earlier in the week while speaking about concerns for family members and friends back home.

After Sunday’s match, dozens of protesters gathered outside the stadium, chanting “save our girls” and “let them go” as the team bus departed under police escort.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed solidarity with the Iranian women’s team but declined to comment on whether the government had made direct contact with any of the players.