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Afghan Refugees Chase Soccer Dreams Amid Taliban Trauma

12/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Afghan refugees Sodaba Khinjani and Rabia Yaqobi pursue soccer with Houston Shine FC after fleeing Taliban rule.
Sodaba Khinjani, once selected for the Afghan women's national team, faced the Taliban's oppression, including the killing of her brother.
FIFA's plan to create a 2027 Women's World Cup refugee team faces limits, as American-based players from Shine are barred from training camps for immigration reasons.

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Story summary

Afghan refugees Sodaba Khinjani and Rabia Yaqobi pursue soccer with Houston Shine FC after fleeing Taliban rule.
Sodaba Khinjani, once selected for the Afghan women's national team, faced the Taliban's oppression, including the killing of her brother.
FIFA's plan to create a 2027 Women's World Cup refugee team faces limits, as American-based players from Shine are barred from training camps for immigration reasons.