The Iranian women's national football team is scheduled to participate in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, hosted by Australia.[1][2]
Australia was confirmed as host by the Asian Football Confederation on March 29, 2023, with the tournament featuring 16 teams in a group stage followed by knockout rounds.[1][3]
The event serves as a key qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the champion and runner-up securing direct spots.[3]
Iran's squad drew international notice at the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup in India, where players remained silent during the national anthem prior to their opening group match against Indonesia on January 20.[4]
Prominent players include forward and occasional captain Fatemeh Pasandideh, born in 1996, and midfielder Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, born in 1997.[5][6]
Iran exited the 2022 tournament in the group stage after draws with Indonesia and Chinese Taipei and a loss to China.[4]
Meanwhile, Iran's men's national team leads Group A in the third round of 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers with 20 points from eight matches as of November 14, 2024.[7]
Fixtures continue with matchdays in March and June 2025.[7]
Sources
- Asian Football Confederation
Australia to host 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
March 29, 2023
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/womens_asian_cup/news/australia_to_host_2026_afc_women_s_asian_cup.html - Wikipedia
Iran women's national football team
Accessed November 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_women%27s_national_football_team - Asian Football Confederation
AFC Women’s Asian Cup
Accessed November 2024
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/womens_asian_cup.html - Reuters
Iran women's soccer players stand silent during anthem
January 20, 2022
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/iran-women-soccer-players-stand-silent-during-anthem-2022-01-20/ - Wikipedia
Fatemeh Pasandideh
Accessed November 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatemeh_Pasandideh - Wikipedia
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh
Accessed November 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atefeh_Ramezanisadeh - Asian Football Confederation
2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers - Third Round Standings
November 14, 2024
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/news/2026_fifa_world_cup_afc_qualifiers_-_third_round_standings.html
