Iranian women's soccer fans show support for Trump as team appears to pivot on national anthem stance

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The Iranian women’s soccer team appeared to pivot from its silent stance at the Women’s Asian Cup Thursday, singing and saluting during its national anthem before its match against Australia. 

Iranian fans voiced support for President Donald Trump in the stands amid the ongoing joint military campaign against Iran. 

Before the start of the match against Australia, the women’s team notably participated in the performance of the anthem. The women saluted as rain added to the somber moment. 

Islamic Republic of Iran players line up for the national anthems before an AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 match against the Australia Matildas at Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, March 5, 2026. (Albert Perez/Getty Images)

It was in stark contrast to the opening match against South Korea, when the women’s squad stood silent as Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance amid the ongoing joint military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. 

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But, according to reports, the squad was "instructed" to participate in their next match. The team has remained silent on the subject since before the start of the tournament. The Women’s Asian Cup did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The night before Iran’s 4-0 loss to Australia, Iranian striker Sara Didar choked back tears as she shared the concerns of players and management for families and loved ones during the war.

"Obviously, we’re all concerned, and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran," Didar said in