In a landmark moment for women's football, the Afghanistan women's national team has been officially reinstated to competitive play, following a historic rule change approved by the FIFA Council on Tuesday. Former captain Khalida Popal, who led the team's resilience through years of uncertainty, described the decision as "a historical moment" and "something to be proud of."

The team has been in exile since August 2021, when the Taliban's return to power forced them to flee their homeland. Previously, FIFA rules required national federations to sanction their own teams—a step the Afghanistan Football Federation refused to take. But with the new ruling, FIFA can now handle the sanctioning directly, allowing the team to resume regular play immediately and pursue their dream of qualifying for a major international competition for the first time.

"We have waited for such a long time," Popal told CBS Sports at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. "Long journey, long fight, long battle, but we have achieved. We have not only changed the future for the women of Afghanistan, but also globally—because the statutes of FIFA are now adopted, and there won't be teams who will suffer for the same situation that we have suffered and sacrificed for so many years."

The push for change gained momentum nearly two years ago, sparked by the International Olympic Committee's decision to include Afghan athletes in the Paris Games despite their exile. Popal noted that FIFA's leadership, including President Gianni Infantino and Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, took a personal interest in the team's cause. The creation of Afghan Women United also helped the team return to play last September, setting the stage for this week's breakthrough.

For fans and players alike, this is more than a rule change—it's a powerful reminder of sport's ability to overcome adversity. Whether you're cheering from the stands or gearing up for your own game, moments like these inspire us all to keep pushing forward.