Megan Rapinoe finally speaks on Iran women’s team protest after Piers Morgan criticism and asylum controversy grows (Image via Getty)

Megan Rapinoe has finally spoken, and her words come after days of sharp criticism led by Piers Morgan. The former United States women’s soccer star reacted to the Iran women’s national team protest that shocked many during the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Before their match against South Korea, Iran’s players stood in silence and did not sing their national anthem. Back home, the reaction was harsh. State media called them “traitors,” and the moment quickly turned into a global talking point.As the situation grew bigger, five Iranian players later chose to stay in Australia and were granted asylum. At the same time, others returned to Iran, raising concern about their safety. Rapinoe had stayed quiet until now, which led to backlash online. Piers Morgan openly questioned her silence and called her “hypocritical.” Now, speaking on her podcast A Touch More with Sue Bird, Rapinoe has shared her thoughts, focusing on the risk and pressure those players faced.

Megan Rapinoe made it clear that her focus is on what the Iranian players went through, not the noise around her silence. Speaking on her podcast, she said, “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.”She explained how serious that moment was for the players. “The incredible courage and bravery it would take knowing what that could potentially mean for their family back home.” Rapinoe pointed out that refusing to sing the national anthem was not just a small protest. It was a direct message, and it came with real fear.She also spoke about the stress around their families. “The stress and uncertainty they’re facing – their family, their loved ones. What does that all mean for back home?” Her words showed concern not just for the players, but for everyone connected to them.Rapinoe then talked about the players who stayed in Australia. “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.” At the same time, she did not ignore the players who returned home. “I hope the ones that returned home have done so under their own free will and choice and that their families are safe.”She added that she feels deep respect for all of them, saying she is in “awe of their courage.”Before her comments, Piers Morgan had criticized her on X. He wrote, “The silence over this from Rapinoe… is so telling, damning, and hypocritical.” He also compared her activism on other issues, which added more heat to the debate. Megan Rapinoe did not directly respond to Morgan’s words, but her message stayed focused on the players and their situation rather than the criticism.