Iranian women’s national football team captain Zahra Ghanbari reacts during a press conference before their match against South Korea on Monday at Robina Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP)
Football authorities have provided support to the Iranian women’s national team competing in Australia in the Women’s Asian Cup following military strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran.The 26-member Iranian contingent arrived on the Gold Coast days before the attacks on Saturday that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to overthrow the Islamic Republic. The team is scheduled to start its campaign against South Korea on Monday.The Asian Football Confederation said it was following developments.The AFC said in a statement that it “continues to closely monitor recent developments in the Middle East during this difficult period.”
He added: “The AFC’s top priority remains the well-being, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans.”“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iranian women’s national team and officials at Gold Coast and offer our full support and assistance,” he added.Coach Marzia Jafari addressed the media on Sunday ahead of the opening match but focused on the football. She said that the tournament gives its players an opportunity to highlight their abilities.
“After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we had some fruitful training sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can give you a good match,” she said.The 12-team competition begins on Sunday and will be among the biggest stages for many of the Iranian national team’s players.Iran made its debut at the previous Asian Cup in India in 2022. The team lost to China and Taiwan but gained recognition at home in a country where women’s rights are restricted.“In India in 2022, the group was a little easier. Now in 2026, we enter with more experience, but the group is more difficult,” Jafari said, referring to the group that also includes hosts Australia and the Philippines.“But we (still) want to show in these games the potential of Iranian women.”Iran qualified for the tournament after qualifying during the qualifiers, and won two consecutive matches by defeating Jordan.Captain Zahra Qanbari said that the team has clear goals.“I think this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” the 33-year-old said.“We know that these matches will be difficult, but we have a difficult mentality and we want to do our best.”The top six teams in the tournament will secure their place in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.