Iranian player Sara Didar holds back tears as she responds to a war-related question during the Women’s Asian Cup

Sara Didar choked back tears as she shared the concerns of the Iranian team’s families and loved ones back home during the war, even as the players participated in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

“It is clear that we are all concerned and sad about what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar said at a press conference on Wednesday on the eve of a Group A match against Australia.

«I really hope that our country has good news ahead. And I hope that my country will live strong.»

The 21-year-old forward was part of the squad that watched silently as Iran’s national anthem was played at Gold Coast Stadium ahead of the opening defeat to South Korea on Monday.

The squad and management arrived in Australia well before Saturday’s Israeli and US attacks, which sparked the wider conflict.

Head coach Marziyeh Jafari and players declined to comment on the war or the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during their first official press conference of the tournament on Sunday.

On Wednesday, an Asian Football Confederation moderator asked reporters before the scheduled pre-match press conference to stick to football questions and refrain from questions about the war.

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When asked a question, Didar and Jafari each expressed concern for the people of Iran.

“Obviously, we are so concerned about the health of our families and our loved ones and all the other Iranian people in our country, which we are completely disconnected from,” Jafari said, highlighting the limited contact due to the power outage in Iran.

“But here we are going to play professional football and we will do our best to focus on our football and the upcoming match.”

A group of Iranian fans waved the red, green and white national colors and some pre-Islamic revolution flags and chanted support for the team during Monday’s match.

Jafari said the team was pleased to have the support from Iranian-Australians.

Australian coach Joe Montemurro said he wanted his team and supporters to greet the Iranian team with sympathy. Thursday’s match is expected to draw a large crowd at Gold Coast Stadium.

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“We want to give them the best tournament possible and give them the experience of a lifetime,” Montemurro said. “For us, it’s about showing our human compassion and respect, and showing them how beautiful we are as a country and how beautiful we are as Australians.”

Australia, the 2010 Asian Cup champion and semi-finalist at the 2023 World Cup it co-hosted with New Zealand, opened with a 1-0 win over the Philippines and can secure a quarter-final with a win over Iran.

The Iranians are hoping to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil in Australia, which means they need to finish in the top eight of the Asian Cup.

Published on March 4, 2026