Iranian women footballers reveal ‘enormous pressure’ of the Asian Cup saga
Two Iranian players who sought asylum in Australia before changing their minds tell their story to Al Jazeera.

Two Iranian players who sought asylum in Australia before changing their minds tell their story to Al Jazeera.









European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has called for negotiations with Iran and an end to hostilities.
Energy crunch prompted by Iran war poses ‘major threat’ to global economy, Fatih Birol says.
Japan edges tournament hosts Australia 1-0 in the Women’s Asian Cup final to claim third title in four editions.
Women’s Asian Cup hosts Australia face criticism for the political tug of war over the Iranian women’s football team.











Iran’s national women’s football team has been given a hero’s welcome home, weeks after they were thrust into a crisis.
Hosts Australia will be hoping to turn the tables on Japan as they meet for a third time in the Asian Cup final.
Samantha Johnson looks at how Iran’s women footballers became caught in the middle of geopolitics.
Japan will face Australia in the final of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after beating South Korea 2-1 in the semifinal.