Kamal Ghorui
Football authorities have extended support to Iran’s women’s team competing in Australia at the Women’s Asian Cup after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.Iran’s 26-member squad reached the Gold Coast days before the attacks on Saturday, which killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic Republic. The team is scheduled to begin its campaign against South Korea on Monday.The Asian Football Confederation said it is monitoring developments.The AFC said in a statement it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” it added.“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women’s national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance.”Head coach Marziyeh Jafari addressed the media on Sunday ahead of the opener but focused on football. She said the tournament gives her players an opportunity to highlight their ability.“After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we have had a few fruitful sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can show you a good match,” she said.The 12-team competition begins Sunday and will be among the biggest stages for several players in the Iranian squad.Iran made its first appearance at the previous Asian Cup in India in 2022. The team lost to China and Taiwan but received recognition at home in a country where women’s rights are restricted.“In India in 2022, the group was a little easier. Now in 2026 we enter with more experience but the group is more tough,” Jafari said, referring to a pool that also features hosts Australia and the Philippines.“But we (still) want to show in these games the potential of Iranian women.”Iran qualified for the tournament after progressing through the qualifiers, sealing back-to-back appearances with a win over Jordan.Captain Zahra Ghanbari said the team has clear targets.“I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” said the 33-year-old.“We know these will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to do our best.”The top six teams in the tournament will secure places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
