FIFA Recognizes Afghan Women United

On 29 April 2026, the FIFA Council in Vancouver approved a statute amendment allowing Afghan Women United to be registered as Afghanistan’s women’s national football team, bypassing the Taliban-controlled federation’s refusal to recognize a women’s program. The amendment permits FIFA to approve team registration under “exceptional circumstances” to protect players from exclusion.

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Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the Afghanistan Football Federation has banned organized women’s sports and refused to sanction a women’s national team. Players were forced into hiding, many sought asylum, and an evacuation led by former captain Khalida Popal relocated dozens to Australia, the US and Europe. The squad, previously competing as Afghan Women United, campaigned for official recognition and grew frustrated with the “refugee” label.

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• Aug 2021 – Taliban retake Afghanistan; women’s football banned.

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• Oct 2025 – Afghan Women United play in the FIFA Unites Women’s Series in Morocco.

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• Apr 29 2026 – FIFA Council adopts the amendment, granting official status.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the amendment shows FIFA can adjust its rules to protect human rights in extraordinary circumstances and referenced the 2025 “Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football.” Khalida Popal said the decision embodies identity, dignity and hope for the players. FIFA pledged financial, technical and human support for up to two years. The Taliban-run federation declined comment.

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The Afghanistan Football Federation, controlled by the Taliban, continues to refuse recognition of a women’s national team and maintains the ban on women’s sport. No official response was received from the Taliban government. The amendment also bars Afghanistan from the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, though it may enter the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.

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Players say representing Afghanistan restores belonging and offers a platform for advocacy. Goalkeeper Elaha Safdari called the decision a “hard slap to the face of the Taliban.” The team will train in New Zealand in June and aim to enter the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, setting a precedent for other federations that discriminate against players.

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• “This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport,” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

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• “For these players, representing Afghanistan is about identity, dignity and hope,” — Khalida Popal, former Afghanistan captain and activist

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• “It's something really huge for us, to show the world that Afghan women and girls are capable of doing amazing things,” — Elaha Safdari, Afghanistan goalkeeper

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• “We are tired of getting called refugee,” — Zainab Mozaffari, player

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• “To hopefully be able to wear our flag again officially is a feeling I cannot describe.” — Nazia Ali, Australia-based player

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