The impossible choice for Iran’s women’s national team: Defect or return to a war zone

Full Time: A show about women's soccer · Mar 20, 2026 · 30m

When five players made their decision to defect in the 24 hours following Iran’s final match of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, they faced a near-impossible choice. Return to a war zone or leave everything behind and stay in Australia. If they remained in Australia, they had to consider the risks faced by their family back home.

On this episode of the Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead to discuss his extensive reporting on the journey of Iran women’s national team at the Asian Cup. The Athletic has spoken to over two…