Iran’s women’s national soccer team returned home on March 18, 2026, after withdrawing asylum applications filed in Australia. The decision followed controversy over their refusal to sing the national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup match in Turkey earlier this month.
The team and technical staff crossed into Iran at the Bazargan border with Turkey. Officials and local residents greeted them upon arrival. Fars News Agency reported the return; no further details on player statements or official response were confirmed.