A landmark FIFA policy shift has created a new commercial and competitive pathway for Afghanistan’s women footballers, allowing the exiled team to participate in official international fixtures and eventually target qualification for major tournaments like the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.
Former captain Khalida Popal described the decision as a “historical moment”, saying it represents the culmination of a long struggle for recognition and access to global football structures. Speaking from Copenhagen, she highlighted the broader significance beyond sport, calling it a breakthrough for rights, visibility, and opportunity for Afghan women.
The Afghanistan Women’s National Team, founded in 2007 in Kabul by Popal and fellow players, has operated in exile since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Around 100 players and family members were evacuated to Melbourne, while others are now based across Europe, the UK, and the United States, forming a dispersed but growing talent pool.
From a football operations standpoint, the ruling opens up new scouting, diaspora recruitment, and team development opportunities, as officials prepare for trials and potential international fixtures as early as June. The focus now shifts to assembling a competitive squad from globally scattered players and building the infrastructure required for sustained participation at FIFA level.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the move as “a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport”, stating that the governing body acted on its responsibility to safeguard access to football for all women and girls.
While Afghanistan will not be eligible for the 2027 Women’s World Cup cycle, the decision positions the team for future qualification campaigns, with implications for sponsorship interest, global visibility, and the long-term development of women’s football within the Afghan diaspora.
