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The Iranian women’s soccer team appeared to emerge from its silent stance at the Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday, singing and waving during its national anthem before its match against Australia.
Meanwhile, Iranian fans expressed 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 especially participated in the interpretation of the anthem. The women were seen waving as the rain added to the somber moment.
Islamic Republic of Iran’s players line up for the national anthems before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Islamic Republic of Iran and Australian Matildas at 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 as Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. Some interpreted the silence as an act of resistance amid ongoing joint US-Israeli military attacks against Iran.
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But the team reportedly received “orders” to participate in their next match. The team has been silent on the issue 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, Iranian forward Sara Didar fought back tears as she shared the players’ and management’s concerns for their families and loved ones in the midst of war.
“Obviously we are all concerned and 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 is strongly alive.”
Iranian fans hold a banner during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
Jafari and other players refused to answer questions about the war at their opening news conference on Sunday. On Wednesday, moderators asked journalists to limit themselves to football-related questions.
Meanwhile, Iran supporters expressed their support for Trump and a free Iran during Thursday’s game. Pre-Islamic Revolution flags were seen waving in the crowd, while others held 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, March 5, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
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In his first video comments published on Truth Social, Trump encouraged the Iranian people take over his government once the United States and Israel ended “major combat operations” in Iran.
“The hour of your freedom is near. Stay protected. Do not leave your home. It is very dangerous outside,” he said, addressing the Iranian people. “This will probably be their only chance for generations. For many years, they have asked for help from the United States, but never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now they have a president who is giving them what they want.”
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