Former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe has praised the ‘bravery and courage’ of the Iranian women’s team that protested against their country’s regime earlier this month.
At the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, Iran sparked outrage back home by staging a silent protest before their game against South Korea, with every member of the starting lineup refusing to sing their national anthem.
The women were quickly labeled ‘wartime traitors’ on state television in light of the recent joint US-Israeli strikes, with broadcaster Mohammad Reza Shahbazi warning: ‘Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely.’
After their elimination from the tournament, five Iranian players were granted asylum by the host nation, Australia, amid the uproar over their protest and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Rapinoe, a typically outspoken advocate for women around the globe, has faced scrutiny in recent weeks for not speaking out on the controversy. British TV host Piers Morgan led the criticism after branding her ‘hypocritical’.
Yet on the latest episode of her ‘A Touch More’ podcast with ex-WNBA player and fiancee Sue Bird, the two-time World Cup winner finally gave her take on the Iran women’s team.
Megan Rapinoe has praised the ‘bravery and courage’ of the Iranian women’s soccer team
Iran players refused to sing their national anthem in protest at the Asian Cup in Australia
‘I’m just thinking about this in the context of, like, the immense pressure that these young adults and these young women are under to make a decision like this,’ Rapinoe, 40, said.
‘Like, the incredible courage and bravery it would take knowing what that could potentially mean for their family back home. The bravery and courage to protest the national anthem, basically in protest of the Iranian regime and not singing the national anthem during a match.
‘The stress and uncertainty they’re facing – their family, their loved ones. What does that all mean for back home?’
Rapinoe went on to express her support for the Iranian players who sought asylum in Australia, as well as the other members of the team who returned home.
‘I, of course, fully support their decisions to seek asylum and seek a better life and to try to escape an incredibly oppressive regime in that situation,’ she continued. ‘I don’t know what’s going on with them and why some of them left and however that is.
‘I hope the ones that returned home have done so under their own free will and choice and that their families are safe, that they’re safe, and their friends are safe. I hope the ones that have chosen to stay feel a sense of peace and hope about a potential for a new life in Australia or otherwise.’
The American soccer great added that she is in ‘awe of their courage’ after their national-anthem snub.
Piers Morgan led the criticism of Rapinoe for not speaking out on the controversy over Iran
But the former US soccer star has finally given her take on the latest episode of her podcast
Five Iranian players were granted asylum by the host nation, Australia, amid uproar in Iran
She did not comment on the criticism she has received for not speaking out on the matter.
Morgan took aim at Rapinoe on X earlier this month, saying: ‘The silence over this from Rapinoe, and so many supposed “feminists” like her, is so telling, damning, and hypocritical.’
The 60-year-old broadcaster then made a reference to her support for trans athletes in women’s sports.
‘They’d rather campaign for biological men to wreck women’s sport than campaign for these heroic young sportswomen to help save their lives,’ Morgan added.
