A recent rule change by FIFA allowing Afghanistan’s women footballers to compete in official matches has been described as a “historical moment” by former national team captain Khalida Popal.
Under the new arrangement, Afghanistan’s women’s team will be eligible to participate in international competitions, including qualification pathways for the Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games—marking a major shift after years of exclusion.
Popal, speaking from Copenhagen, said the decision was the result of a long struggle. “I woke up this morning imagining a young Afghan girl… saying, ‘I’ve got the right to play’. This is a basic human right,” she said.
The Afghanistan Women’s National Team, founded in 2007 in Kabul, was effectively disbanded after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and banned women from participating in sports.
Many players fled the country, with around 100 resettling in Melbourne, while others relocated across Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. A refugee squad later emerged, playing unofficial matches, including at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in Morocco.
Previously, FIFA regulations required approval from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation for participation in official competitions, effectively blocking the team.
The new policy, introduced in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation, allows FIFA to recognise teams in exceptional circumstances, including those unable to operate under their national federations.
Popal said the decision opens the door to building a competitive squad by drawing from Afghan players in the diaspora, with trials expected ahead of a possible match in June.
Although the team will not feature in qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, it is expected to compete in future editions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the move as a significant step, saying it reflects the organisation’s commitment to protecting the right of women and girls to play football and represent their identity on the global stage.
