The world of women’s football is about to witness a remarkable chapter as the Afghan women’s national team in exile, now officially known as Afghan Women United, prepares to take the field in Morocco for the “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025.” This international tournament, orchestrated by FIFA, was originally slated to kick off in Dubai on October 23, 2025. However, as fate would have it, last-minute visa complications for the exiled Afghan players forced a swift change in venue and schedule. Now, all eyes turn to Morocco, where the matches are set to begin on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
It’s not every day that a team’s very existence is a testament to perseverance. Afghan Women United’s journey began in the aftermath of the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, when women’s sports were abruptly banned across Afghanistan. Fearful for their safety and unable to pursue their passion, the players scattered across the globe, seeking refuge in nations as far-flung as Australia and the United Kingdom. According to Reuters, “the Afghanistan women’s refugee team was created after the Taliban banned women’s sports following their 2021 takeover, prompting players to flee fearing persecution.”
Despite unimaginable adversity, these athletes refused to let their dreams die. Their story has resonated deeply within the international football community, prompting FIFA to step in with its “Comprehensive Action Strategy for Afghan Women’s Football.” As FIFA explained in a public statement, this initiative “includes supporting and preparing Afghan players ahead of competitions.” The governing body also confirmed that, following consultation, the team has adopted the inspirational name Afghan Women United—a moniker that captures both their unity and their unbreakable spirit.
The tournament itself is more than just a set of friendly matches. It’s a celebration of resilience, a showcase of solidarity, and a bold statement that women’s football cannot be silenced. Afghan Women United will compete against the women’s national teams of Chad, Libya, and Tunisia. The original schedule included the UAE as a participant, but the most recent reports from The New Arab and Reuters list Chad, Libya, and Tunisia as the confirmed opponents. Tunisia, currently ranked 96th in the FIFA global standings, enters the tournament with a slight edge in experience, while Chad and Libya are yet to make their mark on the world rankings.
For Afghan Women United, the path to Morocco has been anything but straightforward. The initial hope was to gather in Dubai, where the tournament was supposed to run from October 23 to 29. But as the date approached, visa issuance problems for the exiled Afghan players became insurmountable. FIFA responded by relocating the entire event to Morocco—a move that underscored the organization’s commitment to ensuring the team’s participation. In their official statement, FIFA expressed gratitude: “FIFA would like to thank the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) and looks forward to working together to host a successful tournament.”
This relocation was not just a matter of logistics. For the Afghan players, it meant yet another journey, yet another adjustment, and yet another demonstration of their adaptability. But if history is any guide, these women are no strangers to upheaval. Prior to the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan had 25 women footballers under contract, most of whom now reside in Australia. The men’s team, by contrast, has continued to compete as normal, a stark reminder of the gendered obstacles that persist in Afghan sport.
The creation of Afghan Women United is itself a triumph over adversity. Forced from their homeland, the players have rebuilt their lives in new countries, often facing language barriers, cultural differences, and the trauma of sudden exile. Yet, they have stayed connected through their love of football and their determination to represent Afghanistan on the international stage. Their selection camp at St. George’s Park in Britain earlier this year was a poignant moment—a gathering of athletes bound not just by heritage, but by shared sacrifice and hope.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation is mounting. The stakes may not be as high as a World Cup final, but for these women, every minute on the pitch is a victory. Their presence in Morocco is a powerful rebuke to those who would deny women the right to play. It’s also a rallying cry for football fans everywhere: never take for granted the freedom to compete.
While Tunisian fans will be watching closely—hoping their 96th-ranked team can assert its dominance—Chad and Libya enter as wildcards, eager to make an impression. For Afghan Women United, the matches will be about more than just results. They’ll be about visibility, dignity, and the simple joy of playing the world’s game without fear.
FIFA’s “Comprehensive Action Strategy for Afghan Women’s Football” has provided crucial support, from logistical help to moral encouragement. The governing body’s swift action in relocating the tournament, as well as its collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has ensured that the show will go on. As FIFA stated, “this tournament is part of its Comprehensive Action Strategy for Afghan Women’s Football, which includes providing support and preparation for Afghan players ahead of competitions.”
The broader context cannot be ignored. Since 2021, the plight of Afghan women athletes has captured international headlines, sparking debates about the role of sports in humanitarian crises. The existence of Afghan Women United is a reminder that, even in exile, athletes can serve as ambassadors for their country and symbols of resistance. Their participation in Morocco will be closely watched, both by supporters and by those who hope to see women’s football thrive in even the most challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead, the “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025” promises to be a landmark event—not just for the teams involved, but for the global football community. It’s a chance to celebrate diversity, to stand up for inclusion, and to send a message that no ban, no border, and no bureaucracy can extinguish the passion for the beautiful game.
With kickoff just days away, Afghan Women United and their opponents are making final preparations. While the outcome on the scoreboard remains to be seen, one thing is certain: when these women step onto the pitch in Morocco, they’ll be playing for much more than a trophy. They’ll be playing for a future where every girl, everywhere, can dream of representing her country.
As the world tunes in to Morocco this Sunday, the action is just getting started—and the story of Afghan Women United is far from over.
