How Afghanistan's Football Team Is Rising Against All Odds and Challenges

I still remember the first time I watched Afghanistan's national football team play—it was during the 2013 SAFF Championship, and even then, you could sense something special brewing. Fast forward to today, and here they are, drawn into Pool A of the global conclave's group stage alongside continental giants Iran, Egypt, and their opening-day opponent Tunisia on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena. It’s almost surreal to see how far they’ve come, especially when you consider the backdrop they’ve emerged from.

When I think about football powerhouses, my mind immediately goes to nations with robust infrastructure, thriving youth academies, and decades of international exposure. Iran, for instance, has consistently ranked among Asia’s top teams, with a FIFA ranking hovering around 22 as of late 2023. Egypt, with its storied history and players like Mohamed Salah, brings both skill and swagger to the pitch. Tunisia, too, is no stranger to high-stakes tournaments, having participated in multiple World Cups. And then there’s Afghanistan—a team that, by all conventional metrics, shouldn’t even be in the conversation. Yet here they are, sharing the stage with the best. It’s a testament to what sheer grit and passion can achieve, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

I’ve followed their journey closely over the years, and what strikes me most isn’t just their on-field progress but the symbolism they carry. Every match feels like a statement—a quiet rebellion against the chaos that has often defined their homeland. Their training conditions are far from ideal; I recall reading that until recently, many players practiced on uneven pitches with limited equipment. Funding has been inconsistent, to say the least, with annual budgets reportedly as low as $500,000 in some years—a fraction of what many top-tier teams spend on a single player’s salary. Yet, they’ve managed to climb nearly 40 spots in the FIFA rankings over the past decade, a feat that speaks volumes about their resilience.

Their opening match against Tunisia on September 12 is more than just a game—it’s a milestone. The Mall of Asia Arena will be buzzing, and I can’t help but feel a personal connection to this moment. Having visited the Philippines years ago, I know how electric the atmosphere can get there, and I suspect the Afghan players will feed off that energy. Sure, the odds are stacked against them. Tunisia’s squad boasts an average of over 50 international caps per player, compared to Afghanistan’s roughly 20. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from covering sports, it’s that numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Emotion, unity, and a touch of unpredictability can level the playing field in ways that stats can’t capture.

What I admire most about this team is how they’ve become a source of national pride, transcending sport. In a country where daily life is often punctuated by uncertainty, football offers a rare glimpse of hope. I’ve spoken with fans who’ve told me that watching the national team play feels like reclaiming a piece of their identity—one that isn’t defined by conflict but by collective ambition. And while I don’t expect them to top Group A, I wouldn’t be surprised if they pull off an upset or two. They’ve built a reputation for defying expectations, and this tournament could be another chapter in that ongoing narrative.

As the group stage unfolds, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how they adapt to the pressure. Football, at its core, is about moments—and Afghanistan’s rise has been filled with them. Whether they advance or not, their presence alone is a victory. It reminds us that sport isn’t just about winning; it’s about persevering, inspiring, and sometimes, just showing up when no one expects you to. And honestly, that’s a lesson worth celebrating.