Overview
- FIFA’s Council in Vancouver approved the amendment Tuesday, allowing the FIFA-backed Afghan Women United to represent Afghanistan in official competitions without sign-off from the Taliban-run federation.
- FIFA said selection is under way through camps in England and Australia, with support for roughly 80 to 90 players, and the team is expected to play matches in the June international window.
- Competition plans are limited this cycle, as the team is too late for 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying but could enter qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- The change overturns a barrier in FIFA rules that had required recognition by the Afghanistan Football Federation, which under Taliban rule does not recognize a women’s team due to the ban on women’s sports.
- Former captain Khalida Popal said the side will be a symbol of resilience and a voice for women still in Afghanistan who cannot play or travel.