Exiled Afghan women show up for sports teams around the world

Khursand Azizi of Afghan Women United gestures a heart during a match against the Cook Islands in June 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand Banned from playing sport in their own country, Afghan women in exile are continuing to show up for their teams around the world. Last week a 23-player squad, selected from Afghan players now living abroad, travelled to New Zealand for a training camp and to play two unofficial friendly games against the Cook Islands. It was the first time they have been together s