Rusty Weiss
Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Trump Support Shines at Asian Cup as Fans Chant Gratitude Amid Anthem Pivot
Iranian fans at the Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday made their pro-Trump stance unmistakable, chanting “thank you, Trump,” waving pre-Islamic Revolution flags, and holding up large signs spelling out the President’s name.
The support came as the Iranian women’s national soccer team shifted from silent protest to full participation in the national anthem before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup match against Australia.
The team, which had stood in stoic silence during the anthem ahead of their opening 3-0 loss to South Korea — a move widely seen as resistance amid the U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran — saluted sharply and sang loudly this time.
In a stunning show of defiance, Iran’s women’s national soccer team refused to sing the Islamic regime’s anthem before their opening match at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.pic.twitter.com/TizIHNFb52
— Red Line News (@RedLineNewsUSA) March 3, 2026
Players lined up in white jerseys and headscarves, many placing hands on hearts or raising salutes as the music played under pouring rain. Reports indicated the squad had been explicitly instructed to comply this time around. The fans, though, had their backs.
“If they had free speech and weren’t being controlled, I am sure most of them would join us and be aligned with the 90 million other Iranians,” one fan told AAP. “We are here to support their emotions because they are under pressure and we are their voices in the Iranian diaspora.”
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President Trump, addressing the Iranian people in recent remarks, urged them to stay safe and framed the military operations as paving the way for their freedom.
“The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside,” he said in announcing Operation Epic Fury. “This will be, probably, your only chance for generations.”
“For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No President was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a President who is giving you what you want.”
Wholesome moment before Iran’s Asian Cup match against hosts Australia.
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) March 5, 2026
Iran forward Shabnam Behesht trying to shelter a young mascot from the rain on the Gold Coast.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/Qg5FqfU3ux
The fans’ displays aligned closely with that message, turning a rainy soccer night into a visible show of support for U.S. leadership against the regime.
Neither the team nor organizers have elaborated on the anthem change or fan reactions, but for Iranian exiles in the stands, the moment underscored hope tied to Trump’s actions.
Australia dominated on the pitch, winning 4-0, but the pre-game ceremony and fan reactions stole the spotlight.