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The Iranian women’s soccer team appeared to break its silent stance at the Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday, singing and saluting its national anthem ahead of its match against Australia.
Meanwhile, Iranian fans voiced their 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 notably participated in the rendition of the anthem. The women were seen waving as rain added to the somber moment.
Players of the Islamic Republic of Iran line up for the national anthems before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Australia Matildas at the Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia on March 5, 2026. (Albert Pérez/Getty Images)
It was a stark contrast to the opening match against South Korea, when the women’s team remained silent while Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance in the context of joint US and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
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But according to reports, the team was “instructed” to participate in their next match. The team remained silent on the subject before the start of the tournament. The Women’s Asian Cup did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The day before Iran’s 4-0 loss to Australia, Iranian forward Sara Didar fought back tears as she shared players and management’s concerns for their families and loved ones amid the war.
“Obviously, we are all worried and sad about what happened to Iran and to our families in Iran,” Didar said in comments translated into English at a news conference. “I really hope that our country will have good news. And I hope that my country will be strongly alive.”
Iranian fans hold a banner during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 soccer match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast, Australia, March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
Jafari and other players refused to answer questions about the war during their opening news conference Sunday. On Wednesday, moderators asked journalists to stick to football-related questions.
Meanwhile, Iran supporters voiced their support for Trump and a free Iran during Thursday’s match. Flags from before the Islamic Revolution were seen waving in the crowd, while others held signs with letters spelling out Trump’s name.
Iranian fans display signs expressing support for U.S. President Donald Trump during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 soccer match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast, Australia, March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
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In his first video remarks published on Truth Social, Trump encouraged the Iranian people take over their government once the United States and Israel complete their “major combat operations” in Iran.
“The hour of your freedom is near. Stay safe. Do not leave your house. It is very dangerous outside,” he said, addressing the Iranian people. “This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years you have asked America for help, but you never got it. No president was prepared to do what I am prepared to do tonight. You now have a president who will give you what you want.”
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