FIFA Approves Afghan Refugee Women's Team for Official Matches

FIFA has approved a women's football team composed of Afghan refugees to represent Afghanistan in official international matches. The decision follows a change to FIFA's governance regulations, allowing the registration of a national team when its home member association is unable to do so.

The team, operating under a one-year pilot program starting May 2025, will not be eligible for the 2027 Women's World Cup but may compete in qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Background

Following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, restrictions were imposed on women and girls in areas including education, work, and sports. The Taliban banned women and girls from participating in sport. As a result, many female athletes fled the country or abandoned competition. Prior to the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan had 25 women players under contract; most now live in Australia.

Exiled players previously could not represent Afghanistan in official matches without approval from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation. The team, known as Afghan Women United, was formed as a refugee team and played in unofficial friendly tournaments. In 2025, the team competed in three matches as part of the FIFA United Women's Series, including a win against Libya in November.

Regulation Change

FIFA amended its governance regulations to allow the registration of a national team for official competitions when its home member association is unable to do so. This change enables the Afghanistan women's national team to compete in official games.

Team Composition

Players in the diaspora—including over 80 female footballers in Australia, Europe, the USA, and the Middle East—will be eligible for selection. Players who fled the country are currently living in various nations, including Australia, Albania, Portugal, the UK, and the US.

Selection and Future Plans

Regional selection camps are taking place in England and Australia, followed by a training camp in New Zealand in June 2025. The team is scheduled to play a two-match series against the Cook Islands in New Zealand in June. Opponents and venues for further matches are not yet confirmed.

Statements

"Our team has always been known as an activist team. But this opportunity, with the right support from FIFA, will be the time for us to also show some skills and develop the youth talent in the diaspora." — Muzhda Popal, team representative

"We are proud of the beautiful journey initiated by Afghan Women United and, with this initiative, we aim to enable them... to make the next step." — FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Former captain and team founder Khalida Popal stated the team will be a symbol of resilience for those in Afghanistan, aiming to send hope and support. She also noted the team's goal to be competitive and showcase good football. She stated the change "has not only changed the future for Afghan women, but also ensured that no other national team has to sacrifice what our players did."

Andrea Florence, executive director of Sport and Rights Alliance, said the FIFA decision is critical for ensuring member associations uphold responsibilities toward gender equity and human rights, and sends a message that no government should erase women from public life.

Player Mina Ahmadi described the announcement as a "happy moment" and "historical moment" for the team and Afghan girls.