Iran's players sang the national anthem and saluted before bowing out of the Women's Asian Cup with defeat in their last group match on Sunday in Australia. When Iran faced South Korea on Monday in their opening game the players stood motionless, two days after the US and Israel began a war against the country. But on Thursday in their second game, against hosts Australia, all the Iranian players saluted and sang the anthem on the Gold Coast. No public reason was given for the players' original stance over the pre-game national anthem. Iran lost 3-0 to South Korea and 4-0 to Australia to finish bottom of Group A with nine goals conceded and none scored.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 08, 2026 17:38 UTC