What Playing Football Means As A Woman From Afghanistan With Fatima Yousufi At WD 2026

When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, women were banned from sport, and the Afghanistan women’s national team effectively stopped existing.

At Women Deliver in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year, Fatima Yousufi, former captain of Afghanistan’s women’s national football team, spoke to Almost about her journey as a footballer after the Taliban takeover, which forced her to flee to Australia.

Yousufi has since dedicated her life advocating for gender equality and sports.

In April 2026, FIFA approved a rule change that will allow Afghan women footballers in exile to compete in official international matches for the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

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FIFA Has Changed Its Rules To Allow Afghan Women Football Players In Exile To Compete In International Matches

Former Afghanistan captain and activist Khalida Popal, who has campaigned for years for recognition, said the decision changed the future for Afghan women.

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Why Climate Change And Violence Against Women Are Interconnected With Ruth Cross Kwansing At WD 2026

Kiribati’s Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs explains to why the two issues are intertwined.

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What Does Co-Leadership With Girls And Global South Feminists Look Like? With Julia Fan At WD 2026

Julia Fan highlights how strong support systems empower women and girls, emphasizing the need to amplify Global South voices globally.

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