Afghan goaltender Fatima Yousufi stepped on the field at Berrechid Municipal Stadium in Morocco on Oct. 26 for a historic comeback more than four years in the making.
This wasn't just a game. Not after enduring years of exile after fleeing Afghanistan amid the Taliban’s takeover. Not after an 11th-hour relocation of this tournament — the 2025 FIFA Unites Women's Series was originally scheduled to be played in Dubai — because UAE visas for the Afghan team were not approved. Not after finally finding a voice with FIFA as a refugee team.
Yousufi said she and her teammates — known as Afghan Women United — felt more pressure than ever in an international tournament. It was a major step in their collective fight to be recognized as a national team. But Mursal Sadat, who plays centerback, said it was also about showcasing the strength of Afghan women and what they can achieve even under the most devastating circumstances.
"Everyone was telling me, 'We won’t get it,'" Sadat told USA TODAY Sports about their fight for an Afghan team. "But I said, 'We will still fight this fight, because it's not about us, it's about all the women in our country. It's about being a voice for them.'
"It's a matter of gender equality … for every woman and girl around the world."
