Three players and one staff member from Iran, who had been granted humanitarian visas in Australia, have decided to return home following controversy over not singing the national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup 2026.

Five Iranian national team players have left their team's accommodation in Australia and plan to seek asylum, following controversy over not singing the national anthem at the Women's Asian Cup 2026.

Coach Marziyeh Jafari says the Iran national team wants to return home soon after the Women's Asian Cup 2026, amidst debate over player safety.

The Iran women's national team refused to sing their national anthem before their match against South Korea at the Women's Asian Cup 2026, as their country faces conflict in the Middle East.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has indefinitely postponed multiple matches and is paying increased attention to the Iranian women's national football team.

Female players from seven national teams, backed by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), are advocating for significant changes to benefits at the Women's Asian Cup.