By taking an important decision, FIFA gave a new opportunity to Afghan female footballers to participate in international competitions.
As part of this initiative, the players who were forced to leave their country after the arrival of the Taliban, will now be able to play again at the international level.
Afghanistan’s national women’s team has not played an official international match since the Taliban took power in 2021, as the Taliban government imposed severe restrictions on women’s education, employment and sports.
Due to these conditions, many talented players either went into exile or left the game.
The new FIFA strategy that was approved last year was the basis for the establishment of the Afghan Women’s Union. This team provides opportunities for Afghan female players living abroad to play in an organized manner.
FIFA has approved a rule change that allows exiled Afghan women footballers to compete in international matches as part of Afghanistan’s national team. Former captain Khalida Popal called it a “historic” recognition. pic.twitter.com/EHUTjVXYJR
– AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) April 29, 2026
According to the president of FIFA, this initiative is not only a ray of hope for Afghan women, but also an example for other countries where teams cannot register international names for various reasons.
Currently, the players’ selection camps are underway in England and Australia, while other matches are expected in the June international window.
