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By Jordan King
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The Iranian women's soccer team stood silently with their hands behind their backs during the regime's national anthem before their opening match in the Asian Cup in Australia on Monday night.
Just over 48 hours after American and Israeli strikes hit Tehran and killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the women's team did not sing as the music played for the anthem, "Mehr-e Khavaran," at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
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Why It Matters
It is unclear to what extent the team had sung the anthem previously. Footage and photos from the past few years have shown them placing their hands across their chests or saluting while not singing. During the 2022 World Cup, the men's team similarly refused to sing the national anthem in apparent support for anti-government protests.
The timing of Monday's gesture, against the backdrop of the ongoing war, places the team's actions in a charged geopolitical context.
What To Know
The Iranian women's team, which is still set to compete in the tournament despite the conflict in the Middle East, lost to South Korea 3-0 on Monday.
In footage shared on social media, the team's manager, Marziyeh Jafari, was also seen appearing to smile as she watched from the sidelines. Pictures showed some fans holding the pre-Islamic Revolution flag in the stands.
The team is set to play host Australia on Thursday on the Gold Coast.
The ongoing conflict has rippled into the realm of international sport, casting further doubt over Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, openly questioned whether the national team would be able to compete this summer.
Iran—which was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand—is scheduled to play its first match of the expanded World Cup against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
What People Are Saying
Sam Kerr, the captain of the Australian women's soccer team, told Channel 10: "Obviously, it's really tough what's going on around the world. But you know, they're just young girls and young footballers. ... We'll treat the game like any other game, show the team the utmost respect and prepare properly."
Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, told sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday: "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope. The U.S. regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered."
What Happens Next
Tournament organizers and regional federations are monitoring security and travel conditions as geopolitical tensions persist around the competition.
Coverage will likely continue to focus on how players and officials address off-field questions while teams pursue on-field objectives in the group stage.
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