Five Years After the Fall of Afghanistan, Afghan Women Footballers Reunite in Wolfsburg

Girl Power United will reunite for professional training and a football tournament, standing in solidarity with women and girls in Afghanistan who remain denied the right to play and learn.

15 August 2026

Five years after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban on 15 August 2021, Girl Power stands in solidarity with Afghan women and girls who continue to be denied fundamental rights, including access to education and the freedom to participate in sport.

From 2014 to 2021, Girl Power delivered grassroots football and empowerment programmes across Afghanistan, creating opportunities for girls to play, learn and develop as leaders. Following the Taliban’s takeover, Girl Power’s role changed dramatically, with the organisation supporting the evacuation of women footballers and coaches whose lives were at risk because of their involvement in women’s sport.

But Girl Power’s commitment did not end with evacuation.

Since 2021, the organisation has continued supporting Afghan women footballers rebuilding their lives in countries including Portugal, Germany and the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other countries connecting them with opportunities in football, education, employment and leadership to support their integration and resettlement.

“We helped players reach safety, but our responsibility did not end with evacuation,” said Khalida Popal, Founder and Director of Girl Power Organisation and former captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team.

“Empowerment is also about what comes next—education, employment, belonging, football and the opportunity to rebuild your life with dignity. At the same time, we cannot forget our sisters in Afghanistan. We will continue using football and our platform to remind the world that Afghan women and girls are still being denied the right to play, learn and dream.”

United Again Through Football

From 24–29 August 2026, the players will reunite in Germany for the Girl Power Summer Camp, organised by Girl Power, hosted by VfL Wolfsburg and supported by Volkswagen.

This marks the second Girl Power Summer Camp supported by Volkswagen, continuing a collaboration that uses football to create meaningful opportunities for Afghan women footballers.

During the week, the players will train alongside VfL Wolfsburg youth players, work with VfL Wolfsburg coaches and learn from professional international coaches joining the camp. The programme will focus on football and skills development, knowledge and experience exchange, and creating pathways and opportunities through football.

For players now living across different countries, the camp is also a rare opportunity to reconnect as teammates and experience a professional football environment together.

Girl Power United: Playing in Solidarity

On 28 August, the players will compete together as Girl Power United in a football tournament organised as part of the summer camp.

When they step onto the pitch, they will be playing for more than a result. They will stand in solidarity with the women and girls inside Afghanistan who remain denied the freedom to participate in sport and access education.

Their message is simple: Afghan women and girls must not be forgotten.

A New Chapter for Afghan Women’s Football

The reunion comes at an important moment for Afghan women’s football. During the FIFA Congress in April 2026, FIFA announced the return of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team to international FIFA competitions, bringing renewed hope to Afghan women footballers around the world.

Many of the players gathering in Wolfsburg are now looking forward to upcoming national team games and the possibility of once again representing Afghanistan on the international stage.

Five years after being forced apart, they are coming together again—not only to remember, but to train, compete, develop and look towards the future while standing alongside the women and girls of Afghanistan.

About Girl Power Organisation

Girl Power Organisation is an international non-profit using football, education and leadership development to empower women and girls, particularly refugees, displaced communities and underrepresented groups. Since 2014, Girl Power has used football to create safe spaces, develop leaders and provide pathways into education, coaching, employment and community participation.

Media enquiries:

Girl Power Organisation

Kp@girlpowerorg.com

​www.girlpowerorg.com