Afghanistan women: FIFA rule change allows return to international competition

This means Afghan players can represent their country with official recognition.

“Our party has always been known as a working party,” Popal told Reuters.

“But this opportunity, with the right support from FIFA, will be a time for us to show some skills and develop the talent of the young expatriates.

“I know it’s going to be difficult because Afghan women inside Afghanistan will struggle to be part of it.

“But if we can still send them a message of hope and show them our support that you won’t forget, then we’ll continue to use our platform.”

FIFA’s decision builds on the formation of Afghan Women United, a refugee team approved and supported by FIFA for a one-year pilot in May 2025 after years of lobbying by the country’s displaced players.

Afghanistan will not be eligible to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but they can compete in qualifying for the 2028 Olympics and are expected to return to action in June.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “We are proud of the beautiful journey started by Afghan Women United and through this initiative, we aim to enable them, as well as other FIFA member organizations who may not be able to register a national or representative team for FIFA competitions, to take the next step.”

There are more than 80 Afghan female footballers in Australia, Europe, the United States and the Middle East, including many of the 25 players under contract before the Taliban took over.

Regional selection camps organized by FIFA are being held in England and Australia before a training camp in New Zealand in June.

Afghan United Women played three matches in 2025 as part of the FIFA United Women’s Series, with their first win coming against Libya in November.