Afghanistan’s women footballers have welcomed a landmark decision by FIFA that will allow them to compete in official international matches, describing it as a “historic moment” and a fundamental human right.
Former national team captain Khalida Popal said the development marks the culmination of years of struggle for recognition and inclusion.
“I woke up this morning imagining a young Afghan girl opening her eyes and saying, ‘I’ve got the right to play’. This is a basic human right,” Popal said, expressing optimism about the future of women’s football in Afghanistan.
The decision means Afghanistan’s women’s team will now be eligible to participate in qualification pathways for major global competitions such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games—an opportunity previously denied due to political restrictions.
The Afghanistan Women’s National Team was originally founded in 2007 in Kabul by Popal and other pioneers of the sport. However, following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021, women were banned from participating in sports, forcing players to flee the country. Many relocated to Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Despite the challenges, displaced players regrouped to form a refugee-based team, participating in exhibition matches, including the FIFA Unites Women’s Series in Morocco. However, they were previously barred from official competitions due to requirements for approval from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation.
Under the new FIFA amendment, developed in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation, the Afghan women’s team can now be officially recognised and compete internationally, even without endorsement from domestic authorities.
Popal described the breakthrough as not only significant for Afghan women but also for athletes globally facing similar restrictions. “No team, if they face a situation like us, will suffer what we have sacrificed and endured,” she said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the move reflects the organisation’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls in sport.
“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport. FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football,” Infantino said.
The team is now expected to begin preparations for future competitions, with player trials anticipated soon as officials seek to assemble a competitive squad from the Afghan diaspora.
While the team will not be eligible for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, the decision paves the way for participation in future tournaments, offering renewed hope for Afghan women footballers striving to represent their country on the global stage.
