Football: Afghanistan women take big step toward recognition

Deutsche Welle (DW)CenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Matt PearsonOctober 25, 2025 at 04:26 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Afghanistan's women's football team is set to play its first official matches since the Taliban took power in 2021, participating in the FIFA Unites: Women's Series tournament from October 23-29 in the UAE. The team, composed of players who fled abroad after the Taliban banned women’s sports and other rights, will face Chad, Libya, and the UAE. Defender Najma Arefi expressed mixed feelings about representing her country, noting the significance of giving voice to silenced Afghan women. Since 2021, women in Afghanistan have faced severe restrictions under Taliban rule, including bans on education past primary school and participation in sports.

Key Topics & Entities

United Arab Emirates 50% Taliban ×360% Najma Arefi ×270% Afghanistan ×480%

Keywords

afghanistan women's football 100% taliban regime 90% women's rights 80% fifa unites: women's series 70% refugee football team 60% human rights 50% oppressive rulers 50% silenced women 40%