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FIFA Sanctions Afghan Women's Refugee Team for Official Matches

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Afghan Women United: FIFA Approves First Official Women's Team for Afghan Refugees

A landmark decision allows the team to represent Afghanistan in international competition for the first time since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

FIFA has approved the formation and international participation of a women's football team representing Afghan refugees, to be known as Afghan Women United. The decision, announced under a one-year pilot program starting in May 2025, allows the team to represent Afghanistan in official matches for the first time since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Background and Eligibility

The team was formed as a refugee squad following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Taliban authorities have since imposed restrictions on women and girls affecting education, work, and sports.

Prior to these restrictions, Afghanistan had 25 women players under contract; most now reside in Australia.

Afghan Women United will be eligible to select players from the Afghan diaspora, including over 80 female footballers located in Australia, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Competitive Timeline

Under the current FIFA ruling:

  • The team will not qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
  • The team may be eligible to compete in qualifying rounds for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Afghan Women United has already played three matches in 2025 as part of the FIFA United Women's Series, recording its first win in November against Libya.

Selection and Training Camps

Regional selection camps are being held in England and Australia. Following these, a training camp is scheduled in New Zealand in June 2025. Opponents and venues for the team's return to competitive action have not yet been confirmed.

Responses

"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

Khalida Popal, former captain and team founder, said the team aims to be a symbol of resilience and to showcase competitive football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "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."

Andrea Florence, executive director of Sport and Rights Alliance, stated that 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.