FIFA Approves Afghan Women's Football Return

FIFA Approves Afghan Women's Football Return FIFA, the international governing body of football, approved the return of Afghanistan's women's national team to international competition on Tuesday in Vancouver. This decision, made during a FIFA council meeting, allows Afghan female players to represent their country in official matches, despite the Taliban's 2021 ban on women's sports within Afghanistan.

The approval stems from an amendment to FIFA's governance regulations, enabling the organization to recognize national or representative teams under "exceptional circumstances." This change addresses situations where players are prevented from participating due to factors beyond their control, such as the restrictions imposed by the Taliban. Previously, FIFA required recognition by the member association, which was not feasible for the Afghan women's team.

This development builds upon the establishment of Afghan Women United, a refugee team sanctioned by FIFA for a one-year pilot in May 2025. While Afghanistan will not qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup, the team is expected to resume competitive play in June and could participate in qualifying rounds for the 2028 Olympics. Over 80 Afghan female footballers are currently located in Australia, Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, with regional selection camps underway in England and Australia, followed by a training camp in New Zealand.