Israel commends 'courage' of Iranian women's soccer team as five players granted asylum in Australia

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Israel’s Foreign Ministry praised members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team after they appeared to take a political stance by remaining silent during their country’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup. The show of support comes as five players have secured asylum in Australia, while uncertainty surrounds the remaining 21 team members.

In a message posted on X, Israel commended the women on their "courage," adding that the "world is watching." 

Team Iran listens to national anthems before the AFC Women's Asian Cup match against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, on March 2, 2026. (Izhar Khan/AFP)

"Sometimes courage is silence," the post on X read. "To the women of Iran’s national [soccer] team, who refused to sing the regime’s anthem, we applaud your courage! Stay safe. The world is watching."

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The post included a photo with a similar message that read, "To the brave Iranian women of the national team, the world sees your courage."

The situation involving the Iranian women’s soccer team began after the squad arrived in Australia for the tournament last month. The team was already there when the U.S. launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran. 

In the team’s opening match against South Korea, the squad stood silent during the national anthem as Iranian head coach Marziyeh Jafari, also silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. But in the following match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang along and saluted during the national anthem. 

Iran players react