Unbeaten Chad shine bright in Morocco to win FIFA unites women’s series 2025

The inaugural FIFA Unites Women’s Series 2025 wrapped up in thrilling fashion on Saturday in Berrechid, Morocco, marking a defining moment for women’s football development across emerging nations.

Unbeaten Chad were crowned champions of the four-nation tournament, while Afghan Women United capped their inspiring journey with a record-breaking 7-0 victory over Libya — their first win on the international stage.

This groundbreaking FIFA initiative — hosted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) — brought together four nations at different stages of football evolution: Tunisia, Chad, Libya, and Afghanistan (represented by Afghan Women United). Beyond the competition, it stood as a celebration of resilience, opportunity, and global solidarity through football.

A milestone moment for Chad and Libya

With three wins from three matches, Chad emerged as deserved champions after edging Tunisia 1-0 in a tense finale at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid. Striker Solange Larkingam, who scored seven goals across the tournament, netted the decisive strike before her side held firm with ten players to claim a historic title.

The victory means that both Chad and Libya will feature in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking for the first time when the December edition is published — a major leap forward for their respective football federations.

Afghan Women United: Courage, hope and a new chapter

For Afghan Women United, the journey to Morocco was more than a sporting milestone — it was a story of unity and perseverance. Formed under FIFA’s Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, the team brought together players from Australia, the UK, Italy, and Portugal, symbolizing resilience and global sisterhood.

Led by head coach Pauline Hamill (Scotland) and assistant coach Shilene Booysen (South Africa), the team showed immense growth throughout the tournament. After scoring their first-ever goal in an opening defeat to Chad, they concluded with a dominant 7-0 triumph over Libya, earning bronze medals and the admiration of fans worldwide.

“We were waiting and dreaming of this win,” said team captain Fatima Sadat. “We learned so much from this tournament. For the next generation of Afghan players, we will be the ones to inspire and guide them.”

FIFA’s commitment to empowerment through football

The FIFA Unites: Women’s Series is part of FIFA’s broader mission to expand access, inclusivity, and opportunity for women in football — ensuring that every player, regardless of background, has the chance to compete internationally.

During identification and training camps held earlier this year in Australia and England, players received holistic support through workshops on team building, leadership, safeguarding, and personal development — initiatives that extended even to those who didn’t make the final squad.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the tournament’s second round, praised the participants, telling Afghan Women United they were “at the beginning of a beautiful story” that would inspire countless women and girls around the world.

Celebration of unity and new possibilities

The closing ceremony, attended by FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, FIFA Council Member Johanna Wood, and Morocco Women’s Football League President Khadija Illa, captured the essence of the event — joy, pride, and shared achievement.

From Chad’s championship to Afghanistan’s first win and Libya’s new beginning, every team left Morocco with renewed hope and recognition on the world stage.

The FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025 not only crowned a winner but also illuminated the power of football to unite, inspire, and create lasting opportunities for women everywhere.

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