Iran Women’s Football Team Faces Fear and Uncertainty Upon Return Home

The Iranian women’s football team is facing concerns and uncertainty over their return home from Australia amid the Israeli-United States war and alleged threats to their safety. The team was eliminated from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, but the focus is now on their safety as they are urged to seek asylum in Australia due to fears for their welfare. FIFPRO, a global footballers’ union, is working to protect the players and ensure they have agency in deciding their next steps. More than 66,000 people have signed a petition to keep the players in Australia while fears for their safety persist. The players have expressed a desire to return to Iran, but concerns remain over their safety after being labeled “wartime traitors” for not singing their national anthem. Human rights activists and the Iranian community in Australia have voiced fears for the team’s wellbeing, prompting calls for protection from FIFA, AFC, and the Australian government.

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