Afghan women's exile team trains and plays in New Zealand after FIFA approval

Afghan Women United, a refugee team of 23 players now residing in various nations, convened in New Zealand for a training camp and two non-official fixtures against the Cook Islands. FIFA's decision in April lifted the requirement for approval from the Afghanistan Football Federation, a body rendered ineffective by the Taliban's ban on women’s sport since August 2021. The squad, formed after years of advocacy, includes former national team members who escaped the country, some after hiding medals in their family garden.

Players recounted the hardships of training under the Taliban, family opposition, and the challenges of securing travel documents, while expressing hope that the new FIFA status could eventually lead to Olympic or World Cup participation. Despite losing both matches, the team sees the games as a symbolic return to the pitch and a statement that Afghan women will not disappear from football. Their story is part of a broader one outlet Global Women series highlighting under-reported narratives.