Overview

• FIFA named a 23-player squad that will reunite this month for a training camp and friendlies in Dubai against Chad, Libya and the United Arab Emirates.
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the initiative a landmark step intended to provide Afghan players with international exposure.
• The team is not recognized as Afghanistan’s official side because FIFA statutes require acknowledgment by the Afghan Football Federation, which bans women’s sport.
• Several players say they want full national-team recognition and object to the “refugee” label, calling for the right to represent Afghanistan.
• The roster draws from exiled athletes now living in countries including England, Australia, the United States and Portugal, with former captain Khalida Popal mentoring the group.