FIFA has moved to formally recognise the Afghan women’s national football team in exile, in a landmark rule change that will allow them to officially compete on the world stage.
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been effectively barred from sport, with the Afghanistan Football Federation no longer supporting a women’s national football team.
Previously, Afghanistan had 25 women under contract in its national team. Many of these women now live in Australia.
Under the reform, FIFA can now authorise national or representative teams in “exceptional circumstances” when a member federation is unable or unwilling to do so.
Former captain and team founder Khalida Popal said she is extremely proud of the decision, saying it is a rebirth of hope.
“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.
“I am extremely proud of this decision by FIFA and glad that our collective advocacy has not only changed the future for Afghan women, but also ensured that no other national team has to sacrifice what our players did.
“This is the rebirth of hope and a strong message to those who try to erase women from society: you will not succeed. Women belong on the pitch, in public life, and everywhere decisions are made.”
Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, Andrea Florence, said the organisation was thrilled FIFA had listened to Afghan women who had been campaigning for this change.
“This FIFA decision is critical to ensuring every Member Association upholds their responsibilities toward gender equity and human rights,” Florence said.
“This is about more than just football: it’s about sending a message that no government should have the power to erase women from public life. We are thrilled that FIFA has listened to Afghan women and addressed this gap in their statutes. We look forward to cheering them on for years to come.”
Afghan player Nazia Ali, who is now based in Australia, said to hopefully be able to wear their flag again officially is a feeling she cannot describe.
“For the last few years, we have played under many names—as refugees, as ‘Afghan Women United,’ and as guests of other clubs—but in our hearts, we were always the National Team,” Ali said.
Ahead of this decision, FIFA organised the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in 2025 that featured the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team, Chad, Libya and the United Arab Emirates. The four team event has been designed to promote and protect the right of all women and girls to play the sport.
At the time, player Mina Ahmadi told Women’s Agenda the team wanted to be a voice for women back in Afghanistan who have had their rights stripped away by the Taliban.
“I’ve been trying so hard, praying to be on the [refugee] team, not just because of me, because of all the girls who tried so hard and because of all the girls that are back home and cannot do anything,” Ahmadi said.
“I know it’s not a national team title, but it’s still allowing us to go up there, being on that field, representing Afghanistan.”