The Iranian women’s national football team has reached Türkiye as they make their way home following a tense period during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Several team members had initially applied for asylum in Australia after facing criticism and harsh labels from state media for not singing the national anthem at an earlier match. Australia granted humanitarian visas to a number of players and a staff member. However, in the following days, most of the athletes decided to withdraw their asylum applications and rejoin their teammates before traveling back toward Iran via Türkiye.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the team was reported to be in good spirits as they continued their journey to the Iranian border. Their return marks the final stage of a challenging and widely covered episode that drew international attention.
Iranian officials have welcomed the players, with Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stating that “Iran is a safe home” and expressing support for those who chose to return. Ceremonies in Tehran highlighted the relief and happiness of the team being back in their homeland.
While most players returned, two members remain in Australia, continuing training under their humanitarian visas. The incident has sparked global discussions about athlete safety, political expression, and human rights, emphasizing the complex pressures faced by sportspeople navigating both national representation and personal safety.