World News
FIFA grants official recognition to Afghan women's soccer team in exile
FIFA has amended regulations to let Afghan women compete internationally from exile, according to Deutsche Welle.
The short version
- FIFA has officially recognized the Afghan women's national team, permitting players to represent their country in international competitions despite living in exile.[Deutsche Welle]
- The squad operates globally without domestic recognition, as the Afghan Football Federation does not acknowledge the team under Taliban rule banning female sports.[Deutsche Welle]
- Exiled players scattered across nations including England, Italy, and Australia recently held a summer 2026 training camp backed by Volkswagen and Wolfsburg.[Deutsche Welle]
Key facts
- FIFA revised its regulations to officially recognize Afghanistan's women's national football team for international play.[Deutsche Welle]
- The team must operate from exile without domestic facilities because the Afghan Football Federation refuses to recognize it under Taliban rule.[Deutsche Welle]
- Squad members currently reside abroad in countries including Germany, Italy, England, Portugal, and Australia.[Deutsche Welle]
- A training session in summer 2026 was hosted by German club Wolfsburg and sponsor Volkswagen.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- How the national team will secure sustained funding and organize regular competitions while remaining dispersed globally without a home federation.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Afghanistan's women: A national team without a homeDeutsche Welle