Afghan women footballers are set to return to international competition for the first time in more than six years, after FIFA approved a landmark rule change that allows the displaced team to be officially recognised.
FIFA’s decision to amend its governance regulations means Afghan women players, most of them scattered across Australia, Europe, the United States and the Middle East following the Taliban’s return to power, can now represent their country in official matches.
The change, approved at a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver, allows teams to be registered under exceptional circumstances where players are blocked from competing through no fault of their own.
Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal welcomed the move, saying the team will become a symbol of resilience. The squad is expected to return to action in June, with regional selection camps already underway in England and Australia.
While they won’t be eligible for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, they could compete in qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.