Afghanistan Women's Team Returns to International Competition in 2026

Afghanistan women's football team is set to return to international competition after FIFA approval.

FIFA Approves Return of Afghanistan Women Afghanistan women will become a symbol of resilience after FIFA approved their return to international competition, says former captain Khalida Popal. Afghanistan have not played a competitive women's international since December 2018. The Taliban's return to power in 2021 triggered restrictions on women's rights, including a ban on women's sports which forced many players to seek asylum overseas. ## FIFA Governance Regulations Amended FIFA's governance regulations previously prevented the world governing body from officially recognising any team unless they were recognised by their member association, in this case the Afghanistan Football Federation. However, the amendment - approved at a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday - means FIFA can approve the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances to ensure players are not prevented from playing international football due to situations beyond their control. ## Afghan Players to Represent Country in Official Matches It means Afghan players will be able to represent their country in official matches with full recognition. This opportunity will allow the team to showcase their skills and develop the youth talent in the diaspora. Khalida Popal stated, 'Our team has always been known as an activist team.' ## Afghan Women United Team Forms FIFA's decision builds on the formation of Afghan Women United, a refugee team sanctioned and supported by FIFA for a one-year pilot in May 2025 after several years of lobbying by the country's displaced players. Afghan Women United played three matches in 2025 as part of the FIFA United Women's Series, with their first win coming against Libya in November. ## Regional Selection Camps and Training Regional selection camps, hosted by FIFA, are taking place in England and Australia before a training camp in New Zealand in June. Over 80 Afghan female footballers are currently in Australia, Europe, USA, and the Middle East, including many of the 25 players under contract before the Taliban's takeover. ## FIFA President Gianni Infantino's Statement FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, 'We are proud of the beautiful journey initiated by Afghan Women United and, with this initiative, we aim to enable them, as well as other FIFA member associations that may not be able to register a national or representative team for a FIFA competition, to make the next step.'