Afghan Women United Make Emotional Comeback at FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 in Morocco

The Afghan women’s refugee football team made a historic return to the international stage after four years, competing under the name Afghan Women United in the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 held in Casablanca, Morocco.

Although the team lost 6–1 to Chad on Sunday, the match was seen as a symbolic victory for women’s rights and resilience, marking their first FIFA-recognised appearance since Afghanistan’s Taliban government banned women’s sports in 2021.

“That’s all we wanted after trying so hard — our right to play and represent our country,” said team captain Fatima Haidari, who carried the team pennant as they walked onto the field. “We are profoundly grateful to FIFA for this opportunity and for believing in what Afghan women can achieve.”

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Banned at Home, United Abroad

Since the Taliban’s return to power, women’s sport in Afghanistan has been outlawed, forcing dozens of female athletes to flee the country. Before 2021, the national women’s football team had 25 contracted players, most of whom now live in Australia, where they have rebuilt their lives and careers.

In May 2025, FIFA officially approved the creation of a refugee national team, paving the way for their participation in the four-nation friendly tournament featuring Chad, Tunisia, and Libya. The team is coached by Pauline Hamill, a former Scottish international, who helped assemble players from across the Afghan diaspora.

The players chose the name “Afghan Women United” to represent solidarity, hope, and the unbroken spirit of Afghan women.

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Historic Match and Emotional Goal

Despite the defeat, the team achieved a moment of triumph when Manozh Noori, a Melbourne-based striker, scored from the penalty spot — their first international goal since 2021. The emotional celebration that followed underscored the significance of simply being back on the pitch.

Chad, who had not played an international match since 2019, went on to dominate the remainder of the game, securing a 6–1 win. But for Afghan Women United, the result was secondary to the message: “We’re still here, and we’re still playing.”

The team’s next fixtures are against Tunisia on Wednesday and Libya on Saturday, both crucial opportunities to showcase their growth and determination.

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Overcoming Barriers

Originally scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tournament was relocated to Morocco after the Afghan team was denied entry to the Gulf nation — a reminder of the persistent challenges facing Afghan women athletes.

Still, the team received global support from football associations, NGOs, and fans worldwide who celebrated their comeback as a major milestone for gender equality in sports.

“Every minute we play represents the dreams of millions of Afghan girls who can no longer step on a football field,” said Noori. “We play for them.”

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Hope Beyond the Pitch

The Afghan Women United team’s participation is not just a sporting achievement — it is a powerful act of defiance against oppression. With FIFA’s backing and growing international visibility, the team has become a symbol of courage and hope for women and refugees globally.

As they prepare for their remaining matches in Morocco, the players are not only chasing victory but also fighting to reclaim the right to dream.