Iran Women's Soccer Team 'Concerned and Sad' Over War at Home

Players say they are disconnected from loved ones as they compete in the Asian Cup

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Iran's women's soccer team is competing in the Asian Cup in Australia, but the players say they are "concerned and sad" over the ongoing war in their home country. Forward Sara Didar held back tears while expressing the team's worries for their families and loved ones in Iran, which has been targeted by strikes from Israel and the United States in recent days. The team appeared to not sing the national anthem before their first game against South Korea, and head coach Marziyeh Jafari reiterated the players' distress over being disconnected from those back home.

Why it matters

The Asian Cup is a crucial tournament for Iran's women's soccer team, as it serves as the penultimate stage of qualifying for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. However, the ongoing conflict in Iran has cast a shadow over the team's participation, with the men's national team's World Cup hopes also in jeopardy.

The details

On February 28, Israel and the United States targeted Iran with strikes, killing the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict and retaliatory strikes have persisted for five days, resulting in over 800 deaths. In videos circulated online, Iran's women's soccer team appeared to not sing the national anthem before their first Asian Cup match against South Korea.

  • On February 28, Israel and the United States targeted Iran with strikes.
  • The conflict and retaliatory strikes have persisted for five days.
  • Iran's women's soccer team competed in their first Asian Cup match against South Korea on Monday.

The players

Sara Didar

An Iran forward who held back tears while expressing the team's concerns and sadness over the war in their home country.

Marziyeh Jafari

The head coach of Iran's women's soccer team, who reiterated the players' distress over being disconnected from their loved ones in Iran.

Donald Trump

The U.S. president who said "I really don't care" if Iran participates in the upcoming World Cup.

Mehdi Taj

The president of the Iranian football federation, who said the team cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope after the recent attacks.

Mattias Grafstrom

The FIFA general secretary who said their "focus is to have a safe World Cup with everyone participating".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Obviously we are all concerned and sad at what has happened to Iran, our families in Iran and our loved ones. But I really hope our country has good news ahead, and I hope that my country will be strongly alive.”

— Sara Didar, Iran forward (Reuters)

“We have so much concern regarding our families and people in Iran, nobody loves war. And we have so many concerns regarding our families and our loved ones, and all other Iranian people who are inside the country, with whom we are fully disconnected.”

— Marziyeh Jafari, Iran women's soccer team head coach (Reuters)

“I really don't care if the country participates.”

— Donald Trump (Politico)

“After this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

— Mehdi Taj, Iranian football federation president (AP)

“Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everyone participating.”

— Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA general secretary (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.