Iran women’s national soccer team captain Zahra Ghanbari reacts during a news conference before Monday’s match against South Korea at Robina Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP) Football authorities have extended support to Iran’s women’s team competing in Australia at the Women’s Asian Cup following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.Iran’s 26-strong contingent reached the Gold Coast days before Saturday’s attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic Republic. The team is scheduled to begin their campaign against South Korea on Monday.The Asian Football Confederation said it was monitoring the development.The AFC said in a statement that it “continues to closely monitor recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.“The AFC’s highest priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” he added.“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran Women’s National Team and officials in the Gold Coast and offer our full support and assistance.”Head coach Marziyeh Jafari addressed the media on Sunday before kick-off, but his focus was on football. She said the tournament gives her players an opportunity to highlight their skills.“After the league season in Iran, we got together for three training camps before coming to Australia where we had some fruitful training sessions, so I hope we can give you a good game tomorrow,” she said.The 12-team competition starts on Sunday and will be among the biggest stages for several players in the Iran squad.Iran made its first appearance at the previous Asian Cup in India in 2022. The team lost to China and Taiwan but won recognition at home in a country where women’s rights are restricted.“In India in 2022, the group was a bit easier. Now in 2026, we enter with more experience, but the group is tougher,” Jafari said, referring to a pool that also includes hosts Australia and the Philippines.“But we (still) want to show the potential of Iranian women in these games.”Iran qualified for the tournament after advancing from the qualifiers, sealing their head-to-head matches with a win over Jordan.Captain Zahra Ghanbari said the team has clear goals.“I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” said the 33-year-old.“We know it will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to give our best performance.”The top six teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
