U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team, warning they could face severe punishment or even death if forced to return to Iran.

Trump made the appeal in a social media post on Monday, criticizing the Australian government over reports that the players could be required to return home after participating in the Women’s Asian Cup tournament hosted in Australia.

“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States would be willing to accept the players if Australia declined to offer protection.

The controversy erupted after members of the Iranian team declined to sing their country’s national anthem before their opening match against South Korea, a move widely interpreted as a silent protest against the Iranian government. Iranian state media later condemned the players, branding them “traitors,” which raised fears of retaliation once they return home.

Human rights activists and sports organizations have since called on Australian authorities to ensure the players’ safety and allow them the option of applying for asylum. The global footballers’ union FIFPRO has also expressed concern about the potential consequences the players could face in Iran.

Adding to the tension, reports emerged that at least five members of the Iranian squad have left their team accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast and are seeking refuge, with local authorities reportedly providing protection while their situation is assessed.

Australia’s government has not confirmed whether it will grant asylum to the athletes. Officials have declined to comment directly on the matter, citing privacy considerations, but the issue has sparked growing international pressure on Canberra to provide protection.

The situation highlights the broader political tensions surrounding Iran and the risks faced by athletes who publicly or symbolically challenge the country’s authorities.

Arsenal F.C. have moved a major step closer to the Premier League title after securing a crucial 1–0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., a result that has sparked widespread celebrations among fans and intense discussions across social media.

The decisive moment in the match came early when Bukayo Saka found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the game and giving Arsenal a vital win away from home. The narrow victory was enough to strengthen the club’s hold at the top of the league table and boost their momentum in the ongoing title race.

The result became even more significant after Arsenal’s closest challengers, Manchester City F.C., dropped points following a 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest F.C.. The outcome allowed Arsenal to open up a seven-point lead at the summit, dramatically improving their chances of winning the league.

Following the match, social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages from supporters and football fans who believe Arsenal may finally be on course to lift the Premier League trophy. The club quickly began trending online as fans celebrated the victory and shared optimistic predictions about the remainder of the season.

For many supporters, the excitement reflects years of waiting for a return to domestic dominance. Arsenal last won the Premier League title in the 2003–04 season, when the club famously completed the campaign unbeaten in what became known as the “Invincibles” era.

While excitement continues to grow among fans, football analysts caution that the title race is not yet mathematically settled. With several matches still left to play and Manchester City holding a game in hand, the battle for the Premier League crown remains open.

However, Arsenal’s consistent performances and solid defensive displays have increasingly convinced many observers that the club could be edging closer to ending its long wait for another league title as the season heads into its decisive final weeks.

World football governing body FIFA has officially confirmed the DR Congo national football team as Africa’s representative in the intercontinental play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending Nigeria’s hopes of sneaking into the global showpiece.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, means the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, will not feature in the final qualification pathway after falling short in the race for the continent’s remaining slot.

In its statement, FIFA noted that DR Congo secured the ticket in line with the approved qualification criteria, effectively shutting down any mathematical or administrative possibility of Nigeria gaining entry into the play-offs.

The decision deals a heavy blow to the Super Eagles, who had held on to slim hopes of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament despite a turbulent qualifying campaign marked by inconsistent performances.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format, increasing opportunities for teams across all confederations. However, Nigeria’s campaign ultimately proved insufficient to secure even a last-chance route through the intercontinental play-offs.

With the confirmation now sealed, attention is expected to shift to the Nigeria Football Federation, as supporters and stakeholders demand a comprehensive review of the team’s qualification failure.

For Nigeria, a traditional powerhouse in African football, the dream of featuring at the 2026 tournament is now officially over. For DR Congo, the journey continues as they prepare to battle for a place on football’s biggest stage.