Afghan women’s football team, banned from playing at home, finally reunites in Auckland, New Zealand, after FIFA’s April ruling that allows them to represent their country in official matches. The 23‑player squad, formed from Afghan players now living abroad,əsində training camp and two unofficial friendlies against the Cook Islands. For years the team was barred by the Taliban regime, which returned to power in 2021 and imposed sweeping restrictions on women, including barring them from organised sport.

The Taliban’s fall and FIFA’s decision opened the door for the refugee team Afghan Women United to compete on the world stage. Midfielder Fatima Haidari rallies teammates in the locker room, while players like Manozh Noori, Mursal Sadat and Najma Arefi share stories of exile, perseverance and hope. Their return to the pitch symbolizes resilience, as they aim for future qualification at the World Cup and Olympics.

The matches against the Cook Islands will test their nerves in Auckland’s rain, but the team’s determination remains unchanged, proving that football can unite and empower women even in exile.