Fifth Iranian Soccer Player Leaves Australia

A fifth member of the Iranian women's soccer team who had been granted a refugee visa in Australia departed the country on Sunday, March 16, 2026, reducing the number of remaining team members in Australia to two. This departure follows an initial group of six players and one support staff member who accepted humanitarian visas after arriving in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month.

The Australian Home Affairs Minister's office confirmed the player's departure, leaving two players from the original seven individuals who sought asylum. Iranian authorities have characterized these departures as a victory against Australia and former U.S. President Donald Trump, while some within the Iranian diaspora in Australia attribute the change of heart to pressure from Tehran. Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite described the situation as "very complex" and stated that the government respects the personal decisions of those who chose to return, while continuing to support the two remaining individuals.

Concerns about the players' safety in Iran arose after they did not sing the Iranian national anthem before their first match. The Australian government had been urged by Iranian groups and Trump to assist the women. The Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported the returnees were going "to the warm embrace of their family and homeland." The Australian government maintains that those who remained in Australia were genuine asylum seekers and were provided support and a safe location.