FIFA clears path for Afghan women’s football team to return to international competition —
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 led to restrictions on women’s rights, including a ban on women’s sports. As a result, many female players were forced to seek asylum overseas. A new rule change by FIFA allows the organization to officially recognize teams from countries that are not recognized by their member association, under exceptional circumstances.
The decision was approved at a Fifa council meeting in Vancouver and enables Afghan women to represent their country in official matches with full recognition. Khalida Popal, former captain of the Afghan women’s football team, hailed the move as an opportunity for her team to show skills and develop youth talent despite the challenges they face.
Popal expressed gratitude towards FIFA for recognizing the value of her team, which has been an activist team since its inception. She acknowledged that it will be tough for Afghan women inside Afghanistan to join the team but hopes to send out hope messages and show support to those who are struggling.
Fifa’s decision is part of a broader effort to enable teams from countries with limited recognition to participate in international competitions. The organization has established a refugee team, Afghan Women United, which was sanctioned and supported by Fifa for a one-year pilot in May 2025.
The Afghan women’s team will not be eligible to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup but is expected to return to action in June. Regional selection camps are taking place in England and Australia before a training camp in New Zealand, where over 80 Afghan female footballers are currently preparing to compete in official matches with full recognition from Fifa.
About the Author
