Iran’s Women’s Asian Cup team have ‘so much concern’ for families back home

Players contesting the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia share fears for loved ones at home amid US-Israeli attacks.Published On 4 Mar 2026Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari says her team fear for their families at home as war rages, with players “fully disconnected” from them during the Women’s Asian Cup.The Iranian team are preparing to face host nation Australia on the Gold Coast on Thursday after losing their opening game of the continental competition 3-0 to South Korea.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘We were just praying’: Pakistani students recount escape from war-hit Iranlist 2 of 4How long can Israel sustain a military conflict with Iran?list 3 of 4The Iran strikes could become a midterm reckoning – for Trump and Israellist 4 of 4US and Israel step up attacks as war with Iran engulfs regionend of listThey will kick off once more with their homeland being bombarded by the United States and Israel.An internet blackout has made it near-impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, with Jafari thankful for the support they have received from Iranian Australians.“We are so happy that Iranian Australians here support us,” she told Australian media on Wednesday.“Obviously, we have so much concern for our families and our loved ones and all other people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with.“Here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on the match ahead.”Striker Sara Didar fought back tears as she spoke about their worries.“Obviously, we’re all concerned and we’re sad because of what has happened to Iran and our families and our loved ones,” the 21-year-old told reporters.At least 787 people have been killed across Iran in joint US-Israeli attacks that began on Saturday, the Iranian Red Crescent Society says.Asian football chiefs have said they were offering “full support and assistance” to the team, who arrived in Australia just days before US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.