Athletes competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia share fears for their loved ones back home amid attacks from the US and Israel.
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Published March 4, 2026
Iran coach Marzieh Jafari said his players were “completely cut off” from their families during the Women’s Asian Cup and that his team was worried about their families in the country as the war escalated.
Iran is preparing to face hosts Australia on the Gold Coast on Thursday after losing 3-0 to South Korea in their first match of the continental competition.
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They will kick off again with their homeland being bombed by America and Israel.
An internet blackout has made it nearly impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, and Jafari is grateful for the support he has received from Iranian-Australians.
“I’m so happy that Iranian-Australians here are supporting us,” she told Australian media on Wednesday.
“Obviously we have great concern for our families and loved ones and all the other people in the country that we have completely cut off from.
“We are here to play soccer professionally and will do our best to focus on the games ahead.”
Striker Sara Didal fought back tears as she spoke about her worries.
“Obviously we’re all concerned and saddened by what happened to Iran and to our families and our loved ones,” the 21-year-old told reporters.
The Iranian Red Crescent said at least 787 people were killed across Iran in joint U.S.-Israeli attacks that began Saturday.
Asian soccer leaders said they would provide “full support and assistance” to the team, which arrived in Australia days before Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in a US and Israeli airstrike.
Jafari and his players did not sing the national anthem before the loss to South Korea, but declined to comment on Khamenei’s death when asked by reporters.
At Monday’s game, some Iranian fans waved red, green and white national flags and pre-Islamic revolution flags and shouted support for their team.
“I’m very happy to see so many Iranians supporting us. It really encourages us and we really appreciate it,” Didar said. “We know the stadium will be full tomorrow, so we’re hoping for a great atmosphere.”
Australian midfielder Amy Sayer praised the Iranian team’s courage in playing under such difficult conditions.
“Our hearts go out to them and their families. It’s a difficult situation, but it’s really brave to be able to come out here and perform,” Thayer told reporters.
“Despite the ongoing political climate and the challenges they may be experiencing, they put in a really strong performance.
“The best thing we can do to contribute is to give them the best game of football we can (on Thursday) and show them respect on the field. We hope the situation improves and they can continue to stay safely in Australia.”
Thursday’s match will be the second meeting between the two women’s national teams, with Australia winning the previous match in Perth in 2023.
Australia, who won the 2010 Asian Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup co-hosted with New Zealand, will open the 2026 Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over the Philippines and can earn a place in the quarter-finals if they beat Iran.
The Iranians are in Australia aiming to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, but to do so they need to finish in the top eight at the Asian Cup.
Iran made a historic debut at the last Asian Cup in India in 2022 and became national heroes in a country where women’s rights are severely restricted.
