The Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) is pleased to confirm that the Cook Islands Women’s National Team will travel to New Zealand in June 2026 to play two matches against Afghan Women United (AWU).
These fixtures, scheduled during the FIFA Women’s International Match Window from 1–9 June 2026, mark an exciting opportunity for the Cook Islands side to test themselves on the international stage following their impressive performances in last year’s OFC qualifiers.
The matches form part of FIFA’s Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, a landmark initiative endorsed by the FIFA Council in May 2025. The strategy aims to strengthen opportunities for Afghan women in football, including the creation of Afghan Women United—a team established to provide players with access to structured training, competition, and international exposure.
For the Cook Islands, the invitation to participate in this two-match series is a significant step forward for the women’s programme. It offers players and staff the chance to gain valuable international experience, continue their development, and build on recent progress in a high-performance environment.
CIFA President Grover Harmon welcomed the opportunity, stating:
“This is an amazing opportunity for our Women’s National Team and is offered on the back of the outstanding work from CIFA in the women’s space over the last 18 months. In that time, we have launched our first-ever Women’s Strategic Plan, delivered a FIFA Women’s Football Campaign, and hosted the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, which of course will be remembered for the 1–0 win over Tahiti. We have started preparing for this tour and we wish the team all the best as they take on Afghan Women United in Auckland.”
CIFA sees this as more than just a set of matches—it is an opportunity to showcase the growth of women’s football in the Cook Islands and to compete against a team representing resilience and global unity through sport.
These fixtures also highlight FIFA’s ongoing commitment to expanding access and opportunities within the women’s game, ensuring that nations like the Cook Islands continue to grow, compete, and inspire future generations.
CIFA Media
