Six matches across three Asian club competitions in the West Zone have been postponed. These include four first-leg matches in the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite, and two first-leg quarter-final matches in the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League. Matches in the East Zone are proceeding as originally scheduled.

The postponed matches were originally scheduled to take place from 2/3 to 4/3 in Qatar, UAE, Lebanon, and Oman. Iran has one representative, Tractor, which was set to play an away match against Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The match between Al Nassr (yellow jersey) and Al Wasl in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Two 2025-2026 in the UAE on 4/3 was postponed due to Middle East instability. Photo: Al Nassr

"Given the complex developments in the Middle East, the matches have been postponed until further notice," an AFC statement read. "The Confederation will continue to closely monitor the escalating situation and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans."

On the morning of 28/2, the US and Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian political and military leaders, citing Tehran's refusal to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions and long-range ballistic missile development. More than 200 people were killed in Iran.

Iran retaliated with ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases in Middle Eastern countries. At least one person was killed in Israel. Civilian flights in the region were temporarily halted to ensure safety. The United Nations and many countries called on all parties to exercise restraint, end the conflict, and seek peaceful resolutions.

At least four of Iran's most powerful figures have been killed, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. As of today, long-range weapon attacks between the two sides are still ongoing.

Beyond club-level competitions, Iran is also participating in the Women's Asian Cup 2026, placed in Group A with hosts Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines. The AFC has pledged "full support and assistance" to the Iranian delegation currently in Gold Coast.

Iran (white jersey) defeated Bhutan 7-1 in a Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifier match in Group A, held at King Abdullah II Stadium in Jordan on 13/7/2025. Photo: AFC

"The AFC's top priority remains the welfare, safety, and security of all players, coaches, officials, and fans," the AFC stated. "We are maintaining close and regular contact with the Iranian women's national team and officials, and are ready to provide full support."

Iran is scheduled to play its opening match against South Korea tomorrow, 2/3. Coach Marziyeh Jafari and captain Zhara Ghanbari did not comment on the situation in their home country, instead focusing on the sport, stating that the Women's Asian Cup is an opportunity to showcase "the potential of Iranian women footballers."

This marks only the second time Iran has reached the Women's Asian Cup finals, after 21 previous editions. In India in 2022, Iran exited at the group stage after losing 0-7 to China and 0-5 to Chinese Taipei. Nevertheless, participating in the tournament represents a significant milestone for a nation where women's rights are restricted.

Iran is currently ranked 68th in the FIFA rankings, placing them above only India (70th) and Bangladesh (128th) among the 12 teams competing in the Women's Asian Cup 2026. Their most realistic goal for this tournament is to score their first-ever goal.

The Women's Asian Cup 2026 will take place from 1/3 to 21/3 across three Australian cities: Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast. The 12 teams are divided into three groups, competing in a single round-robin format to determine the three group winners, three runners-up, and the two best third-placed teams who will advance to the quarter-finals.

The Women's Asian Cup 2026 also serves as a qualifier for the Women's World Cup 2027. The four semi-finalists will secure direct qualification. The four teams defeated in the quarter-finals will play off in pairs for the next two berths. Subsequently, the two losing teams will proceed to the inter-confederation play-offs, joining representatives from Africa, South America, North Central America (two), Oceania, and Europe (one). These teams will compete for the three remaining spots in the World Cup in 2/2027.

Hieu Luong