Opening week of 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver saw Nestory Irankunda make history as youngest Australian to score in tournament. His goal in 2-0 win over Turkiye brought celebrations,with a punch to corner flag — a nod to legend Tim Cahill. But Irankunda's joy masks tough past,born in refugee camp in Kigoma,Tanzania,after his parents fled Burundi's civil war .
World Cup,with 48 nations,co-hosted by Canada, Mexico,and United States,isn't just about size. Stories like Irankunda's hit home . At least nine players have backgrounds marked by displacement,refugee experiences. UN's Gamechanging Team campaign,launched by Barham Salih,brings them together. Salih sees World Cup as stage for global message of hope .
Alphonso Davies,Canada's captain,has similar roots . Born in Ghana's refugee camp after parents fled Liberia's war,moved to Edmonton, Canada,at five. In 2021, became first footballer named UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador. Reflects on path from camp to pitch. “I often wonder where I would have been if I had stayed there,” he said .
Mohamed Toure,another Australian player,came from refugee camp in Conakry, Guinea,after his family fled Liberia's violence. 14 years later,they settled in Adelaide. Now he's starting striker . Proud moment for his father: “Yeah,my son played at World Cup.”
Awer Mabil,also from Australia,born in Kakuma,Kenya's refugee camp. Family fled South Sudan's civil war . Mabil scored penalty that got Australia into 2022 World Cup. Co-founded charity for kids in Kakuma. His mantra: “Everything is possible… so keep going.”
Ermedin Demirovic plays for Bosnia and Herzegovina,born in Germany where his father went after Balkan War. Proud to represent homeland in its second World Cup. Like Asmir Begovic,also for Bosnia,fled to Germany at four,then Canada. “Nobody felt sorry for us,” he recalls.
Antonio Rudiger,Germany defender,born in Berlin . Mother escaped Sierra Leone's civil war. Grew up in tough neighborhood full of refugees . Represents Germany now. Big personal achievement.
Ali Al-Hamadi from Iraq was a baby when family fled in 2003,after father's arrest for protesting Saddam Hussein. Moved to UK,now plays for Iraq,back in World Cup after nearly 40 years.
Eduardo Camavinga from France,born in Angola's refugee camp. Family fled Democratic Republic of the Congo. “I’m proud to do so,as a former refugee,” he says.
Though Victor Moses from Nigeria didn't qualify,his story of resilience still resonates. Lost parents to violence at eleven,fled to UK,found success in football.
As tournament unfolds,these athletes carry not just skills but stories of struggle and triumph. Sport's power to unite…
