Overview
- Iran lost 4-0 to host Australia, with progression still possible through a best third-place finish before Sunday’s group finale against the Philippines.
- After staying silent for the anthem in the opener, the players sang and saluted before facing Australia, with no official explanation for the change.
- Coach Marziyeh Jafari said the squad is very worried about relatives in Iran and has no contact with them, while striker Sara Didar was moved to tears when asked about the war.
- Exiled Iranians demonstrated outside the Gold Coast stadium chanting “Thank you Bibi, thank you Trump,” a message reports linked to recent airstrikes that killed Ali Khamenei.
- A new statement from FIFPRO flags safety risks for the players after state TV attacks labeled them “war traitors” and calls for protective steps by FIFA, the AFC and authorities.