IR Iran 0-2 Philippines (Mar 8, 2026) Game Analysis – ESPN Skip to main content Skip to navigation ESPN NFL NFL NBA NBA NCAAM NCAAM NCAAW NCAAW MLB MLB NHL NHL Soccer Soccer More Sports More Sports Watch Watch Fantasy Fantasy Where to Watch Search IR Iran v Philippines 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Group Stage IR Iran IR Iran IRN 0-0-3 , 0 PTS 0 0-0-3 , 0 PTS FT Philippines Philippines PHI 1-0-2 , 3 PTS 2 1-0-2 , 3 PTS Sara Eggesvik – 29' Chandler McDaniel – 82' Summary Report Commentary Statistics Line-Ups Iran's future in limbo after loss to Philippines By AAP Updated: Mar 8, 2026, 07:43 am Facebook Facebook Messenger Twitter Email The Iranian women’s team faces the uncertain prospect of returning home after suffering a 2-0 defeat against the Philippines to end their embattled Women’s Asian Cup campaign. Knowing a win would keep both teams’ Asian Cup dreams alive, it was the Philippines’ Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel who netted the two game-defining goals to seal victory on the Gold Coast on Sunday night. The win is the first this tournament for Mark Torcaso’s women, but the Australian’s team will need results to go their way if they are to qualify for the playoffs as one of the two best third-placed contenders. For Iran, they finish fourth in Group A and are eliminated despite some heroic saves from goalkeeper Raha Yazdani on the night. Chandler McDaniel celebrates with Philippines teammates. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images Their third loss of the competition came after the players and coaches sang the national anthem, displaying a military salute before the match. It was the second time they belted out the anthem in the tournament after they failed to perform it before their first game against South Korea last Monday. Iran’s state television labelled them as “traitors” for not singing, saying the team was “the pinnacle of dishonour” as it came less than 48 hours after the US-Israel assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Sunday, fans also held multiple flags of Imperial Iran, the official flag before the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Both teams had several chances early but the Philippines drew first blood through former Western United player Eggesvik when she hit the ball into the right side of the goal in the 29th minute. Iran desperately searched for an equaliser, but in the 82nd minute substitute Chandler McDaniel fired the ball towards the bottom left corner, and it took a deflection to nestle into the net. The Philippines thought they had a third when Alessandrea Carpio cut the ball to McDaniel who poked it past Yazdani, but Carpio was called offside. The Iranians now turn their attention to the future, as it is not known how or when they will be able to return to their homeland, given the conflict and fears that the regime could arrest the players on their return. Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster has urged FIFA and the AFC to uphold their obligations to protect the safety of players. Twelve 12 Iranian community organisations and civil society groups have sent a letter to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke outlining they have “grave concerns” for the team. It is unclear what help Australia can or will offer, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong dead-batted questions of whether the federal government had contact with the footballers earlier on Sunday. Game Information Cbus Super Stadium 6:00 AM , March 8, 2026 Gold Coast , Australia AFC Women's Asian Cup Standings Team GP W D L GD P South Korea 3 2 1 0 +6 7 Australia 3 2 1 0 +5 7 Philippines 3 1 0 2 -2 3 IR Iran 3 0 0 3 -9 0 Full Table AFC Women's Asian Cup News Implosion costs Matildas in draw with South Korea Australia's Women's Asian Cup hopes have been handed a reality check after the Matildas blew the chance to top their group in a 3-3 draw with South Korea. Iran's future in limbo after loss to Philippines The Iranian women's team faces the uncertain prospect of returning home after suffering a 2-0 defeat against the Philippines to end their embattled Women's Asian Cup campaign. As it happened: Matildas finish second in group after 3-3 draw with South Korea Top spot in Group A belongs to South Korea as they played out a 3-3 draw with the Matildas on matchday 3 of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. Catch up with all the action from Stadium Australia. All AFC Women's Asian Cup News Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based Ads EU Privacy Rights Cookie Policy Manage Privacy Preferences © ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
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