Afghanistan women can return to competition

Afghan Women United played Chad, Tunisia and Libya in Morocco in October and November 2025 [Getty Images]

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'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".

It means Afghan players will be able to represent their country in official matches with full recognition.

"Our team has always been known as an activist team," Popal told Reuters.

"But this opportunity, with the right support from Fifa, will be the time for us to also show some skills and develop the youth talent in the diaspora.

"I know it's going to be tough because Afghan women inside Afghanistan will struggle to be part of that.

"But if we can still be the voice for them to send out hope messages and show them our support that you are not forgotten, then we will continue to use our platform."

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.