Israel praises Iranian women’s soccer team for staying silent during anthem

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the Iranian women’s national football team players who showed a political stance by remaining silent during the reading of their country’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup. The show of support comes as five players have been granted asylum in Australia, while uncertainty surrounds the remaining 21 squad members.

In a message published on X, Israel praised the women for their “courage” and added that “the world is watching.”

“Sometimes courage is silence,” the post on X read. “Women of Iranian nationality [soccer] As the team that refused to sing the regime’s anthem, we applaud your courage! Stay safe. The world is watching.”

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The post also included a photo with a similar message that read: “To the brave Iranian women of the national team, the world sees your courage.”

The situation for the Iranian women’s football team began when the team arrived in Australia for the tournament last month. The team was already there when the USA launched a joint military operation with Israel against Iran.

While the team remained silent during the national anthem in the team’s opening match against South Korea, Iranian coach Marziyeh Jafari, who also remained silent, smiled at her team. The silence was interpreted by some as an act of resistance. However, in the next match against Australia and the subsequent match that led to their elimination, the team sang and saluted during the national anthem.

Iranian players react during their national anthem before the Women’s Asian Cup football match between Iran and the Philippines on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Robina, Australia. (Dave Hunt/AAP Image via AP)

Concerns about the team following the tournament prompted the Australian Iran Council to launch an online petition calling on Australian officials to “ensure that no member of the Iran women’s national football team leaves Australia while credible fears remain for their safety”.

5 OF 21 IRANIAN FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE RETURNING HOME AFTER GRANTING ASYLUM

President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating that if Australia does not grant them asylum, the United States will “take them in.”

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced on Tuesday that the five women were transported from their hotel on the Gold Coast to a “safe location” by federal police officers, who later met him and began processing humanitarian visas.

“I tell other members of the team that the same opportunity exists,” he said. “Australia welcomed the Iranian women’s football team into our hearts.”

Islamic Republic of Iran players line up for the national anthems before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia Matildas at Gold Coast Stadium on March 5, 2026 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Albert Perez/Getty Images)

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Burke added that he was pleased that the names and images of the women who were granted asylum were published, but that the players wanted to make it clear that they were “not political activists.”

Protesters tried to prevent the team bus from leaving in front of the hotel where they were staying on Tuesday. The remaining members of the team and coaches flew to Sydney Airport, and police evacuated protesters from the international terminal before the team boarded an international flight to Kuala Lumpur, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Ryan Gaydos of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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