The FIFA Council in Vancouver has approved a regulation change allowing Afghan Women United, a team composed of refugees, to compete in official international competitions. This decision enables the squad to represent Afghanistan without the approval of the Taliban government. Former captain Khalida Popal stated that the team will serve as a symbol of resistance and resilience for those struggling back home.
While it is too late for the team to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, they are now eligible to participate in qualification for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Coached by Pauline Hamill, the team is expected to play two exhibition matches during the June international window. The squad consists of more than 80 players scattered across Australia, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, with recent training camps held in England and Australia.
The move follows years of lobbying by players, human rights groups, and Khalida Popal. The Afghan women's team played its last competitive match in 2018, and the Taliban shut down all women's sports upon returning to power in 2021, forcing players to flee the country to avoid persecution. The first step toward recognition occurred last October during a tournament in Morocco featuring Chad, Libya, and Tunisia.
Prior to the team's demise, the Afghan soccer federation was investigated for misconduct within the women's program, including allegations of physical abuse and rape. These investigations led to FIFA issuing a lifetime ban to federation president Keramuddin Keram. Despite the federation's failure to acknowledge the women's team, it had not been suspended from international soccer.