Afghan Refugees Inspired by Morocco’s Historic Women’s World Cup Debut

"It’s an incredible opportunity for the Moroccan team to show the world that Muslim women from all countries can participate," said Farida, one of the eight Afghan players who attended the Moroccan women’s team’s training session, according to The Associated Press. The return of the Taliban to power forced the players of the Afghan national women’s team to leave their country. The Taliban have banned women from playing sports in Afghanistan. Evacuated to Australia, they are trying to reform the team in Melbourne and are asking FIFA to recognize them so that they can participate in international competitions.

"What motivates us is that we are the voice of the women of our country. We are a mirror that reflects the harshness of their lives and the difficulty of living in Afghanistan, of having no rights, of being banned from everything," said Afghan player Mursal Sadat. [...] We would like to ask FIFA to accept and qualify the Afghan women’s team to represent these women and girls in their country, so that they have a voice."

These players also welcomed the Moroccan government’s willingness to support its women’s team. "The (Moroccan) government and the people have accepted that these girls play for them and represent their country," Farida rejoices, before adding: "We live in a modern era and we don’t need to follow the ideas of the old school."

Ranked in Group H, the Lionesses of the Atlas will face Germany, the 2nd best nation in the history of the competition (two titles in 2003 and 2007, a 2nd place in 1995, and two fourth place finishes in 1991 and 2015) and finalist of Euro 2022, South Korea and Colombia, who are participating in the Women’s World Cup for the 4th and 3rd time respectively.