Former refugees look to ignite Australia's World Cup

Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players are set to showcase the evolving diversity of Australian soccer at the World Cup. Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two young talents, are poised to make their World Cup debuts in the Socceroos' opening match against Turkey.

At 30, Awer Mabil serves as the "older brother" figure to the younger duo, offering mentorship at his second World Cup. All three share a common experience: they are children of asylum seekers who rose through the ranks of Australian football, particularly in Adelaide. Already recognized within Australia's significant African diaspora, their on-field chemistry could be crucial for the Socceroos' hopes of advancing past the group stage and securing their first-ever World Cup knockout match victory.

"It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live," said 22-year-old Toure, who was born in a refugee camp in Guinea after his parents fled Liberia. "So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level." Toure, currently playing in England's second tier, has become coach Tony Popovic's first-choice striker after an impressive start with Norwich City, scoring nine goals in 11 appearances.

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It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live. So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level.

Toure maintains a close friendship with 20-year-old Irankunda, who was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp and also plays in England's second tier. Irankunda, whose signing by Bayern Munich in 2024 generated significant hype, has become a fan favorite for Australia with his energetic play and flashy goal celebrations in 15 appearances. Mabil's football journey began playing with other children at a refugee camp in Kenya before his family's displacement due to civil war in Sudan. Recalled to the Socceroos in March after a nearly two-year absence, Mabil expressed that this World Cup holds extra significance after a challenging couple of years.

The Socceroos squad increasingly reflects Australia's multicultural society. Six players with African heritage, nearly a quarter of the squad, will participate in this World Cup, a doubling from the 2022 tournament. Four of these players grew up and played in Adelaide, which has emerged as an unexpected hub for African soccer talent. Towering striker Tete Yengi, who scored on his debut in a World Cup warmup match, is another member of this Adelaide cohort, sharing South Sudanese heritage and a strong connection with Irankunda.

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Obviously, I had a little taste in the last one (World Cup), but this one will mean extra because I think it's not been an easy couple of years for me.