Why are Iranian players staying in Australia after Asian Cup elimination and why is Donald Trump involved?

Iran's team pose for a group photo before the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Iran and the Philippines in Gold Coast on March 8, 2026. The son of the late shah urged Canberra on March 9 to protect the Iranian women's football team, who were branded "wartime traitors" after refusing to sing the national anthem while playing in Australia. — The safety of the Iranian players has been a topic since they refused to sing the national anthem in their Asian Cup fixture (Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Iran’s women’s national football team have been competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which began earlier this month, days after the war in their home country began.

After losing all three of their group matches, the team have been eliminated from the tournament.

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Why didn’t Iranian players sing the national anthem?

Iran's players salute during the national anthem before the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Iran and Australia in Gold Coast on March 5, 2026. — Iran's players sing and salute ahead of their final Asian Cup match (Image credit: Izhar KHAN / AFP via Getty Images)

On March 2, just two days after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, Iran opened their Asian Cup campaign with a match against South Korea.

When the national anthem was played ahead of kick off, players remained silent, in a mark of protest against the Iranian government.

The incident led the players to be criticised by Iranian TV outlets and journalists. One commentator said that remaining silent during the anthem ahead of their match on 2 March was the “pinnacle of dishonour”, while another said “traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely”.

Following this brave gesture, fears for their safety began to grow. The team proceeded to sing the anthem and salute in their second and third fixtures, increasing worries that they felt pressured.

Why did Donald Trump get involved?

Donald Trump will speak at the 2026 World Cup draw — Donald Trump spoke out to get protection for the squad (Image credit: Getty Images)

The situation gained international attention, with many demanding the Iranian players be allowed to stay in Australia for their safety.

US President Donald Trump said Australia should "give asylum" to the women or "the US will take them if you won't."

Trump said he had been in contact with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and received confirmation that "five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way".

"In any event, the Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to do with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!"

While five players have now been granted humanitarian visas and moved to a safe location, some players wanted to return home for fear of what might happen to their families. Immigration Immigration Minister Tony Burke said other squad members had been made aware they were welcome to stay in Australia too.

Ayisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses’ triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international women’s football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.

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