Afghan women’s refugee team to debut
FIFA launches Dubai tournament as symbol of hope
FIFA announced that a newly formed Afghan women’s refugee team will make its international debut in a four‑team friendly tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for late October. The “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” will feature the Afghan squad alongside the national teams of the UAE, Chad and Libya. The tournament runs from October 23 to 29 and serves as a pilot program, giving FIFA a year to assess the initiative’s viability.
The team’s creation follows the Taliban’s 2021 ban on women’s sports, which forced many Afghan female players to flee the country. Prior to the takeover, Afghanistan had 25 women under contract, most of whom now reside in Australia. FIFA organized global talent‑identification camps to select a 23‑player roster, assembling a squad that will compete despite lacking official recognition from the Afghanistan Football Federation, which remains under Taliban control.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized that providing access to football for women is a priority and described the matches as “a symbol of hope and progress for women all over the world.” He noted the broader impact of the game both on and off the pitch. While Afghanistan’s men’s national team continues to compete normally, the women’s refugee side will operate under the one‑year pilot, with the aim of demonstrating the potential for sustained participation.
The initiative highlights the challenges faced by Afghan female athletes, who have been denied competition at home and now seek to represent their nation abroad. Analysts see the tournament as both a sporting event and a diplomatic statement, showcasing FIFA’s commitment to gender inclusion and offering a platform for displaced athletes to regain visibility on the international stage.
