Trump Calls for Iranian Soccer Team’s Safety, Offers US Asylum

Canberra, Australia – Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Saturday presented humanitarian visas to five members of the Iranian women’s national soccer team, following a public push from U.S. President Donald Trump and mounting concerns for the players’ safety should they return to Iran. The visas were granted after the team lost its final match at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, raising fears of retribution from the Iranian government for a silent protest during the national anthem.

Trump publicly urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to offer asylum to the team, warning that the players would “most likely be killed” if forced to return to Iran. He initially criticized Australia’s response on social media, stating, “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake,” and offering the U.S. As an alternative destination. He later reported a conversation with Albanese, declaring, “He’s on it!” and noting that five players had already been granted visas. The Nightly reported on these exchanges on March 10, 2026.

The team’s silent protest during the playing of the Iranian national anthem at their opening match against South Korea drew swift condemnation from Iranian state media, which labeled the players “wartime traitors,” according to POLITICO. While the team subsequently sang the anthem in their following two games, concerns for their safety persisted, particularly given the escalating tensions in the region following U.S. And Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28th.

The Australian Iranian Council launched an online petition garnering over 74,000 signatures, calling on Australian officials to protect the team members. The petition argued that “silence is not a neutral position” when facing potential persecution and that the current geopolitical climate had intensified risks for those perceived as disloyal to the Iranian regime.

While five players have been granted humanitarian visas and are under the protection of the Australian Federal Police, some members of the team have expressed a desire to return to Iran, citing fears for the safety of their families who may face repercussions if they remain abroad. Trump acknowledged this in his Truth Social posts, stating that some players “feel they must travel back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return.”

The granting of visas to the five players follows a period of uncertainty for the team, who had been in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup. Yahoo Sports reported that Australian authorities assisted the five players in leaving their hotel on Monday, following their elimination from the tournament. The fate of the remaining team members remains unclear, as Australian officials have not publicly detailed their plans for those who wish to return to Iran.

Prime Minister Albanese has publicly acknowledged the “delicate situation” and praised the efforts of Home Affairs Minister Burke. Though, the Australian government has not yet addressed the potential for further assistance to team members who may fear persecution upon their return, leaving the future of the Iranian women’s soccer team in a state of precarious balance.