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20 Mar 2026

Australia Grants Asylum to Five Iranian Women's Soccer Players Amid Regional Conflict

Australia granted asylum to five members of Iran's women's national soccer team during the AFC Women's Asian Cup hosted in the country. The players were participating in the tournament when a joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran began on February 28, 2026.[1]

The Iranian squad arrived in Australia ahead of the tournament, which marks the 20th edition of Asia's top women's national team competition. Australia was awarded hosting rights in June 2023.[3] The team drew global attention after some players stood silent during the national anthem ahead of their opening match.[1]

After elimination from the group stage, most players initially sought asylum but later withdrew their bids. On Wednesday, all but two returned to Iran, according to unconfirmed reports from Iranian state media. Video showed the group transiting through Igdir airport in Turkey on March 18, 2026, before crossing into Iran.[1]

Fatemeh Pasandideh, a forward born March 4, 1996, and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, a midfielder born April 22, 1997, remained in Australia and have been training with A-League Women club Brisbane Roar.[1][4][5]

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated last week that the country welcomes its citizens home and guarantees their security.[1] Calls for asylum had come from Iranian diaspora groups in Australia and U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed safety concerns for the players.[1]

Separately, Trump commented on Iran's men's national team, qualified for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran's group stage matches are scheduled against New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California; Belgium on June 21; and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.[1] Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 12, 2026: "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."[1]