Iran Women Sing National Anthem Before Australia Defeat At AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Iran’s women’s national football team sang their national anthem before their 4–0 defeat to Australia at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on 5 March 2026 at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, days after remaining silent during their opening match. The change came after their earlier gesture drew global attention amid rising tensions involving Iran, according to reports from international media.

Australia dominated the Group A match and secured qualification for the knockout stage with the win, while Iran suffered their second consecutive defeat in the tournament.

According to match reports published by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Australia controlled the game from the opening minutes and built a comfortable lead through goals from Amy Sayer, Mary Fowler, and a brace from Alanna Kennedy. The result followed Australia’s earlier win over the Philippines and ensured the hosts advanced from the group stage.

The match took place at Robina Stadium on Australia’s Gold Coast, one of the host venues for the continental tournament.

Iran entered the fixture under scrutiny after their players chose not to sing the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea earlier in the week. Television footage showed players standing silently during the anthem, a moment widely circulated on social media and reported by international outlets including the BBC.

Before the match against Australia, however, the Iranian team sang the anthem and saluted the national flag during the pre-match ceremony.

Midfielder Sara Didar acknowledged the emotional impact of events off the pitch. Speaking after the game, she said she felt “concerned and sad” about the situation in Iran.

Iranian football analyst Alireza Mohebbi told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he believed the players may have faced pressure regarding the anthem, although no official confirmation of such claims has emerged.

The AFC has not issued any disciplinary comment regarding the anthem incidents. Tournament organisers have instead focused on the sporting competition, which also serves as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Under the qualification structure outlined by the FIFA and the AFC, the top teams in the Asian Cup will secure places at the World Cup in Brazil, while additional sides will progress to intercontinental play-offs.

Australia’s victory moved them to six points in Group A and confirmed their place in the quarter-finals alongside South Korea, who also advanced after winning their first two matches of the tournament.

Iran, meanwhile, remain without a point after defeats to South Korea and Australia. They will conclude their campaign against the Philippines in their final group fixture.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup continues across multiple Australian venues, with the knockout stage scheduled to begin later this month as teams compete for continental honours and qualification for the next global tournament.