Australia’s Socceroos squad at the World Cup heavily features players from refugee backgrounds, celebrating the country’s multicultural identity. Prominent former refugees leading the team include Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Touré, Awer Mabil, and Milos Degenek. These players have become central figures on the pitch and symbolize the success of Australia’s immigrant communities. Key players include:
- Nestory Irankunda: Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to Burundian parents fleeing civil war, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer for Australia in a 2-0 win against Türkiye in Vancouver.
- Mohamed Touré: Born in Guinea to Liberian refugees who fled war, he grew up in Adelaide before becoming a breakout striker for the Socceroos.
- Awer Mabil: Born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, he is a vital winger for the national team.
- Milos Degenek: Fled the war in Croatia as an infant, living as a refugee in Serbia before moving to Sydney at age six.
Ahead of the tournament, these players—along with teammates of diverse heritages—teamed up with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) to release a video on Instagram celebrating modern multicultural Australia in response to growing anti-immigration rhetoric.