TEHRAN – Zahra Ghanbari, captain of Iran’s women’s national football team, believes that despite a difficult campaign, the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup provided invaluable experience for the squad as they look ahead to future tournaments.

Iran exited Group A after three defeats to Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines, but Ghanbari insists that the team gained important lessons during the tournament held in Gold Coast.

“It was my first appearance in the biggest Asian event, and it was truly an honor to play there,” Ghanbari said. “From the start, we knew we were placed in an extremely tough group. South Korea, hosts Australia, and the Philippines were all strong, well prepared teams — and technically on a higher level than us.”

She highlighted the rapid rise of the Philippines, a team Iran had faced in the Olympic qualifiers two years earlier. “The Philippines showed remarkable improvement compared to our previous match. With the experience we collected in Australia, I’m hopeful we can enter the next editions with better planning, more focus, and stronger ambition,” she noted.

Ghanbari also spoke about the off field pressure the players faced during their stay in Australia.

“Given the circumstances back home, some players received tempting and unusual offers to stay and live in Australia,” she revealed. “But for me, returning home to my mother and my family was the clear choice. Being with family is more valuable than anything else.”