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

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 dozen sources with knowledge of the team’s experience at the Asian Cup, including people close to the women who defected. In the end, seven members of Iran’s group defected, but five changed their minds and returned home, with two remaining in Brisbane, Australia.

PLUS: The latest on this year’s Asian Cup ahead of Saturday’s final in Sydney, Australia, and the six teams who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Jacob Whitehead

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

The Iran women footballers faced with an impossible choice: Defect or return to a war zone

Iran football team returns home after week-long journey, two players remain in Australia

Five Iran Women soccer players defect with help of police following Asian Cup in Australia

FIFA, Australian government hold urgent talks over Iran women’s team’s future after Asian Cup exit