Iran women stand silent during national anthem before Asian Cup opener
Mar 3rd 2026
Iran's women's team stood silently through the national anthem before losing 3-0 to South Korea in their Asian Cup opener, their first match since the recent escalation of conflict in the region.
- Players stood silently and did not sing the national anthem before kick-off against South Korea.
- Iran lost 3-0 to South Korea in their Group A opener at Gold Coast Stadium.
- Coach Marziyeh Jafari and the players declined to comment when asked about the regional conflict or developments involving Iran's leadership.
- The team arrived in Australia several days before air strikes began in the Middle East.
- Iran will face hosts Australia on Thursday and the Philippines on Sunday, both at the same venue.
- Iran are the only team from the Middle East to qualify for this Asian Cup, which runs until 21 March.