Afghanistan’s women footballers have hailed FIFA’s landmark rule change as a “historic moment” and a major step forward for human rights, according to former captain Khalida Popal.
The decision means Afghanistan will now be eligible to compete in official international tournaments, including future editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games — a breakthrough Popal described as the result of a long and difficult fight.
Speaking from Copenhagen, Popal emphasised the wider impact of the ruling.
“I woke up this morning imagining a young Afghan girl opening her eyes and saying, ‘I’ve got the right to play’. This is a basic human right,” she said. “It’s fantastic news — a historic moment we are still trying to absorb.”
The Afghanistan Women’s National Team was originally founded in 2007 in Kabul by Popal and her teammates. However, the return of the Taliban in 2021 forced a dramatic halt to women’s sport in the country.
Around 100 players and their families were evacuated to Australia, while others relocated across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since then, women in Afghanistan have been banned from participating in sport, with even private training groups shut down.
Despite these challenges, a refugee squad made up of Afghan players based in Europe and Australia was formed. The team played its first matches at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in Morocco last year.
However, they were previously unable to compete in official competitions due to FIFA regulations requiring approval from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation.
This week’s rule amendment changes that.
FIFA, in agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has introduced a framework allowing the official recognition of Afghanistan’s women’s team without requiring approval from domestic authorities under exceptional circumstances.
The policy could also benefit other teams facing similar political or structural barriers.
Popal welcomed the decision not only for Afghanistan but for global women’s football.
“It has been a long fight, but we are grateful this history is made not only for Afghan women,” she said. “No team facing a situation like ours should have to endure what we have sacrificed.”
With official recognition now possible, attention turns to rebuilding a competitive squad.
Popal confirmed that the team will draw talent from Afghan players scattered across the world, with trials expected soon and a potential match targeted for June.
While Afghanistan will not be eligible for qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, they will be able to compete for future tournaments.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the move as “a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport.”
“FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football,” he said. “We are proud to lead this historic initiative and stand alongside these courageous players.”
