The curtain fell on the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 in Berrechid, Morocco, with Chad emerging as the standout story of the tournament.
Finishing unbeaten across three matches, Chad topped the four-nation table in what proved to be a thrilling and inspirational celebration of the global rise of women’s football.
The competition brought together teams from Chad, Tunisia, Libya, and a historic new entrant — Afghan Women United, a team representing Afghanistan’s women on the international stage for the very first time.
Chad Crowned Champions as FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 Showcases New Era for Women’s Football. Photo: Courtesy.
A Historic Step for Afghanistan’s Women
For Afghanistan, the tournament marked more than just results — it was about representation, resilience, and renewal.
The newly formed Afghan Women United team was created through FIFA’s Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, a multi-faceted initiative to provide opportunities and structure for displaced Afghan women players.
After a series of selection trials held in Australia and England over the summer, the final squad came together under the leadership of head coach Pauline Hamill of Scotland and assistant coach Shilene Booysen of South Africa.
Despite early challenges, including a tough opening loss to Chad, the Afghan side celebrated a symbolic first goal — and ended their campaign in spectacular fashion with a 7-0 victory over Libya.
That win not only marked Afghanistan’s first international success since the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports but also highlighted the players’ courage and unity under difficult circumstances.
Chad’s Remarkable Rise
Chad, who entered the competition unranked in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, turned heads with a series of composed and spirited performances.
They capped off their perfect run by defeating Tunisia 1-0 in a tense final match that underscored their tactical maturity and growing confidence.
The result was particularly notable given Tunisia’s pedigree — the North Africans sit 96th in the world rankings and have appeared at both the 2022 and 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Chad’s victory not only delivered them the title but also symbolized the rapid progress being made in emerging football nations.
A Tournament of Growth and Inspiration
The Women’s Series 2025 served as a testament to FIFA’s ongoing mission to create inclusive and equitable pathways for women in football.
From the determination of Afghanistan’s trailblazers to Chad’s stunning breakthrough and Tunisia’s consistency, the event illustrated how women’s football continues to flourish in new and unexpected places.
As the tournament concluded in Morocco, the message was clear: women’s football is thriving globally, propelled by passion, resilience, and opportunity.
Each of the four teams left Berrechid with invaluable experience — and a renewed sense of purpose for the next chapter of their journeys.
