FIFA has announced the first-ever “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” in Dubai, with UAE, Afghanistan, Chad, and Libya taking part.
DUBAI: FIFA has officially confirmed that the UAE will host the inaugural FIFA Unites: Women’s Series, a landmark international women’s football event from 23rd to 29th October in Dubai, featuring national teams from the UAE, Libya, Chad, and the Afghan refugee squad.
This groundbreaking tournament not only highlights FIFA’s dedication to empowering women in sport but also marks a historic milestone—the Afghan women’s refugee team’s first participation in an international football competition. The initiative, backed by FIFA, stands as a global example of resilience and equal opportunity in sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the event “a symbol of hope and progress,” reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to ensuring all women and girls have access to football. “These friendly matches represent more than just a competition,” he added, “they reflect the transformative power of sport to unite and uplift.”
The UAE women’s national team, led by experienced Dutch coach Vera Pauw, will look to leverage home advantage and build on recent momentum. Meanwhile, teams from Chad and Libya will aim to earn recognition by making their debut in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Rankings.
The UAE Football Association has been thanked by FIFA for hosting the series, further strengthening the country’s reputation as a global hub for inclusive sporting events. The tournament underlines the UAE’s growing role in advancing women’s sport in the region and beyond.
The FIFA Unites: Women’s Series is expected to boost visibility for women’s football and encourage more inclusive participation, laying the groundwork for future growth across the Middle East and Africa.
