Afghan refugee women's football team returns to international competition with FIFA approval.
Kabul Times News 29-04-2026
A team of Afghan refugee women footballers has been granted permission by FIFA, the world football governing body, to participate in official international competitions. This comes after dozens of Afghan female players were forced to leave the country after the Taliban came to power in 2021, effectively banning women's sports in Afghanistan.
The Afghan women's national football team, which had been active since 2007, was disbanded after these developments. Now, FIFA has taken an unprecedented step to allow the team to participate without the need for approval from the Afghan National Football Federation.
Khalida Popal, founder of the team, known as "United Women of Afghanistan," said: "Our team is now recognized as an active team. FIFA’s support will help us to show our capabilities again and to develop the talent that exists among the refugees.”
According to FIFA, plans have been made to hold training camps for the team in England and Australia, countries where many players have sought refuge. The team is expected to return to official competitions in June.
While the 2027 World Cup qualifiers in Brazil have begun, it is possible that the team will be able to participate in the qualifying stages of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Popal also emphasized: “This team will be a symbol of resistance. Despite the many challenges, we will use this opportunity to deliver a message of hope to the women of Afghanistan and show that they are not forgotten.”
The team previously participated in the FIFA Units competition in October last year.
Afghan refugee women's football team returns to international competition with FIFA approval.
