A team reborn
The Afghan women's national soccer team, once forced into secrecy by the Taliban's 2021 ban on female sports, is now gathering on foreign soil with a single purpose: to reclaim its place on the international stage. Players like Fatima Yousufi and Mona Amini, who fled to Australia after the regime's return, have turned their childhood dreams into a collective mission.
Their journey began long before the recent upheaval. Yousufi, a student and avid footballer, faced obstacles even under the previous government, while Amini nurtured a parallel passion for the sport. When the Taliban seized power, both were compelled to hide their identities and abandon the pitches they loved.
Training in exile
Thirteen members of the original squad found refuge in Australia, where they spent five years honing their skills while awaiting clearance to compete abroad. Their perseverance paid off when FIFA granted the team eligibility for international competition in April, unlocking a pathway that had seemed impossible just months earlier.
Today, the team is based in a training camp in Auckland, New Zealand, under the guidance of Coach Pauline Hamill. Hamill organizes talent identification camps and coordinates matches that test the players' readiness for the global arena.
A global stage
The squad's first competitive outing in this new era came in the 'Unite' tournament, where they defeated Libya seven months ago — a victory that marked their first official win since a 2018 match against a senior side. That win, coupled with recent FIFA recognition, has reignited hopes of qualifying for future World Cups.
Beyond personal ambition, the players see themselves as beacons for girls still living under restrictive regimes. By showcasing their talent on foreign fields, they hope to challenge stereotypes and open doors for the next generation of Afghan women.