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Afghanistan women can return to competition
FIFA approved Afghanistan’s national or representative women’s team to compete in official internationals under exceptional circumstances, enabling a return to competition after years of disruption. The move follows the formation of Afghan Women United in May 2025 and ongoing FIFA-supported regional camps ahead of further qualifiers.
Why It Matters
The decision marks a milestone for Afghan women athletes and FIFA governance, potentially opening pathways for Olympic and World Cup qualifying and signaling support for displaced players.
Timeline
7 Events
Regional camps ahead of June training in New Zealand
April 29, 2026
Regional selection camps, hosted by FIFA, are taking place in England and Australia before a training camp in New Zealand in June.
June 2026: Expected return to action
April 29, 2026
The article notes that Afghanistan are expected to return to action in June 2026.
April 28, 2026: FIFA Council approves exceptional registration
April 28, 2026
FIFA's governance amendment allowing registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances was approved by the FIFA Council in Vancouver, enabling Afghan players to represent their country in official matches with full recognition.
First FIFA United Women's Series matches (2025)
November 2025
Afghan United Women played three matches in 2025 as part of the FIFA United Women's Series, with their first win coming against Libya in November 2025.
May 2025: Afghan Women United formed
May 2025
Afghanistan formed Afghan Women United, a refugee team sanctioned and supported by FIFA for a one-year pilot.
Taliban takeover and sports restrictions
2021
The Taliban returned to power in 2021, triggering restrictions on women's rights, including a ban on women's sports.
Afghanistan ends competitive international play in 2018
December 2018
Afghanistan had not played a competitive international since December 2018.