6 of 7 Iranian Soccer Players Granted Asylum in Australia Stay, But Rest of Team Heads Home

March 11, 2026

TL;DR

Seven members of the Iranian women's soccer team were offered asylum in Australia.
Six of the seven accepted humanitarian visas and chose to stay in Australia.
One player who initially accepted asylum later decided to return to Iran after consulting with teammates and the Iranian embassy.
The remaining members of the team departed from Sydney as scheduled.
Australian officials made efforts to ensure players understood their asylum options, holding private meetings at the airport.
The team's silence during their national anthem at the start of the tournament was interpreted as a protest or mourning.
Iranian officials rejected suggestions that the women were unsafe to return home, with the vice president guaranteeing their security.
U.S. President Trump had previously criticized Australia for not offering asylum and stated the U.S. would accept them.
Some players, allegedly with ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, were not offered visas.
The six women remaining in Australia were moved to a secure location and will receive support.

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