From the streets of Kabul to the fields of New Zealand, Afghan Women United is rewriting the narrative for women's football in Afghanistan
The changing room buzzes with anticipation as the Afghan Women United team prepares for their first match in years. The atmosphere is electric, a stark contrast to the years of uncertainty and restriction they have endured. This moment marks a significant milestone, not just for these athletes, but for women’s football in Afghanistan.
The 23-player squad, composed of Afghan players now residing abroad, has gathered in New Zealand for a training camp and two unofficial friendly matches against the Cook Islands. This reunion is the first since the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) ruled in April that they could represent their country in official matches, bypassing the need for approval from the Afghanistan Football Federation.
The Path to Recognition
The journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. The Taliban’s return to power in August 2026 imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including barring them from secondary school, university, most professions, and organized sport.
The national women’s team, formed in 2007, was forced to disband, and its members were among those evacuated and resettled in countries like Australia, the UK, and Portugal.
Years of campaigning led to the creation of Afghan Women United. Thanks to Fifa’s ruling, the team can now aim to qualify for international competitions such as the Olympics and the World Cup. The squad’s excitement is palpable, as the past five years have made it difficult for them to train together due to the complexities of obtaining travel documents as asylum seekers.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Each player’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. Manozh Noori, a midfielder now living in Australia, grew up playing football with boys in the streets of Kabul. Her journey was fraught with family disapproval and the need to hide her identity. She recalls the fear and desperation when her brother discovered her secret, threatening to cut ties with the family if she continued playing.
Despite the obstacles, Noori persisted. She won league titles, national championships, and individual awards, eventually fleeing Afghanistan and burying her medals in her garden. Her story is one of many that highlight the team’s collective strength and the power of football as a means of survival and hope.
The Impact of Football
For many of the players, football has been a lifeline. Mursal Sadat, who now lives in Australia, credits football with giving her the opportunity to escape Afghanistan and pursue her dreams. She works as a football coach, youth facilitator, and advocate for refugees, women’s rights, and human rights. Her engagement to a man still in Afghanistan, who supports her career, underscores the changing attitudes towards women in sport.
Najma Arefi, a defender now living in the UK, trained in extreme temperatures in Herat, often given the least desirable training slots. Her perseverance led her team to a national championship, changing attitudes towards women’s sport in her city. She now studies criminal justice and plays football, grateful for the opportunities she has but also deeply aware of the freedoms denied to women back home.
The Future Ahead
The matches in Auckland, though resulting in defeats, represent something far more significant for the team. They symbolize a return to the pitch and a refusal to disappear despite exile, separation from families, and years of uncertainty. The official status granted by Fifa is a historic achievement, one that the players carry with pride.
As the team looks to the future, they hope to qualify for international competitions and inspire a new generation of Afghan women. Their story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sport.
