Iran women’s football team salute, sing national anthem in Asian Cup match

Al JazeeraEN 3 min read 100% complete by Hafsa AdilMarch 5, 2026 at 03:56 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

During their AFC Women's Asian Cup match against Australia in Gold Coast on March 5, 2026, the Iranian women's football team sang their national anthem after remaining silent during their previous game against South Korea. The team's initial silence was prompted by concerns for their families amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, which included attacks on Iranian soil and a widespread internet blackout. Spectators at the match displayed pre-1979 Iranian flags and pro-Trump banners, signaling protest against the current Iranian regime. While the team sang the anthem, sections of the crowd booed, expressing their displeasure. The reason for the team's change in stance between the two games remains unclear, but they have voiced the difficulties of competing while their country is under attack.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Minab 30% Marziyeh Jafari 30% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 30% South Korea 40% Donald Trump 40% Gold Coast ×250% Israel ×260% United States ×260% AFC Women's Asian Cup ×260% Australia ×470% Iran ×790%

Keywords

iran women's football team 100% national anthem 90% asian cup 80% australia 70% middle east conflict 60% political protest 60% us and israel attack 50% iranian australians 40%