The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Associated Press reported that an Afghan women’s refugee team has been granted eligibility to compete in international football tournaments, nearly five years after national team players fled the country following the Taliban’s return to power.
The FIFA Council approved the decision during a meeting in Vancouver, Canada, agreeing to amend its regulations to formally recognize the team, which competes under the name Afghan Women United.
Although the team will not be able to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil due to timing constraints, it may take part in the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“We are proud of the journey initiated by Afghan Women United, and through this initiative we aim to support them and other FIFA member associations that may face challenges in registering national teams,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement.
Efforts to secure recognition for the team began gaining momentum in October 2025, when Afghan refugee players participated in a tournament in Morocco alongside teams from Chad, Libya and Tunisia. The initiative followed years of advocacy led by players, former captain and activist Khalida Popal, and human rights organizations.
“For five years, we were told the Afghanistan women’s national team could never compete again because the men who took our country would not allow it,” Popal said. “This decision not only changes the future for Afghan women but ensures that no other team faces similar sacrifices.”
More than 80 Afghan refugee players are currently based across Australia, the United States and Europe. Training camps have recently been held in England and Australia as part of preparations for upcoming competitions.
The team, coached by Pauline Hamill, is expected to play two friendly matches during the June international window, with opponents yet to be confirmed.
Australia-based player Nazia Ali said the recognition carries deep emotional significance. “For years, we played under different names, but in our hearts we were always the national team. Wearing our flag again officially would mean everything,” she said.
The Afghan women’s national team last played a competitive match in 2018. Following the طالبان’s return to power in 2021, women’s sports were effectively shut down, prompting players to flee the country over fears of persecution.
Even before the team’s dissolution, the Afghan Football Federation had faced serious allegations of misconduct involving the women’s program, including claims of abuse. Former federation president Keramuddin Keram was subsequently banned for life by FIFA.
While FIFA regulations prohibit discrimination, the Afghan federation has not been suspended from international competition despite failing to recognize the women’s team.
“This decision closes a gap that allowed discriminatory policies to impact global sport,” said Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch. “It should serve as a model for how sports bodies respond when athletes are excluded based on gender or other factors.”
