Afghan Women’s Football Team Reunites in New Zealand at 13,000 Feet Following Domestic Ban

Players of the Afghan women’s football team are busy changing clothes in the locker room in preparation for their regular practice. Some are stretching their legs while others are adjusting their boots. “Stay strong as always because we are representing Afghan women,” said Fatima Haider, a member and midfielder of Afghan Women United. The room, decorated with the Afghan flag, erupted into applause as the national anthem played. Some of the women were unable to hold back tears as they sang. Their coach encouraged them, despite many years of being told football fields were not meant for them.

The squad, consisting of 23 players selected from across Afghanistan, is currently abroad. They have traveled to New Zealand for training and are scheduled to play two informal friendly matches against the Cook Islands. In April, FIFA, the worldwide governing body for football, confirmed they would be allowed to officially represent their country in future competitions. This marks their first time gathering together since the Taliban took control in August 2021, at which point all women and adolescent girls were banned from secondary schools, universities, various professions, and organized sports.

The team assembled in New Zealand is greatly excited to play together again. Securing the necessary travel documents to gather at a single location was a significant challenge. Manoj Nurie, who is staying at a hotel in Auckland, became emotional while speaking about her family. She said, “Because of football, I was able to help my mother and sister escape from Afghanistan.” For these players, these matches represent proof of their continued existence and resilience.