UNHCR Launches ‘Gamechanging Team’ of Refugee Football Stars Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has unveiled a symbolic global football team made up of internationally renowned players with refugee and displacement backgrounds, highlighting stories of resilience, survival, and hope in a world facing record levels of forced displacement.

Named the Gamechanging Team, the initiative brings together football stars whose lives were shaped by war, persecution, and migration before they rose to international success. Through their stories, UNHCR aims to spotlight the struggles faced by millions of displaced children worldwide while promoting the transformative power of safety, opportunity, and inclusion.

The campaign launches ahead of UN World Football Day on May 25 and in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico — the largest World Cup tournament in history.

Football Stars United by Stories of Displacement

The symbolic team features players from across the world who either experienced displacement firsthand or come from refugee families forced to flee conflict and persecution.

UNHCR said the initiative reflects the strength, courage, and determination of young people who rebuild their lives after displacement when given access to safety and opportunity.

At a time when more than 117 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, the organization hopes the campaign will inspire greater solidarity with refugees and displaced communities globally.

Alphonso Davies Named Captain of UNHCR’s Team

Leading the Gamechanging Team is Canadian football star Alphonso Davies, who serves as both captain of Canada’s national team and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled civil war in Liberia before eventually resettling in Canada.

His rise from refugee camp beginnings to becoming one of the world’s top footballers has become one of the most powerful stories in international sport.

Speaking about the initiative, Davies said it was deeply meaningful to captain a team of players whose childhoods were shaped by displacement and conflict.

He said the group demonstrates what can happen when displaced children are given safety and opportunities to pursue their dreams despite difficult beginnings.

Antonio Rüdiger Highlights Responsibility Beyond Football

Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger also joined the symbolic squad.

Rüdiger’s parents fled conflict in Sierra Leone before settling in Germany, where he later built his football career and became an international star.

The Real Madrid defender emphasized that representing Germany is both a source of pride and a reminder of his responsibility to support displaced and vulnerable communities.

Rüdiger noted that through his foundation in Sierra Leone and his work alongside organizations such as UNHCR, he aims to help improve access to:

• Education

• Sport

• Healthcare

• Opportunities for children affected by displacement

He stressed that every child deserves the chance to dream, grow, and succeed regardless of where they come from.

Team Features Refugee and Displacement Stories From Across the World

The Gamechanging Team includes footballers whose personal journeys span multiple continents and humanitarian crises.

Asmir Begović

Leicester City goalkeeper Asmir Begović fled Bosnia with his family during the Bosnian War at the age of four. He later represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

Ali Al-Hamadi

Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi fled Iraq with his family to seek safety in the United Kingdom. He later helped Iraq qualify for its first World Cup in four decades.

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was born to parents who survived war in Angola before settling in France, where he eventually became a star player for the French national team.

Victor Moses

Former Chelsea winger Victor Moses fled Nigeria to the UK as a child and later represented Nigeria internationally.

Mohamed Touré

Norwich City player Mohamed Touré was born as a refugee in Guinea before resettling in Australia, where he now represents the national team.

Awer Mabil

Awer Mabil was born in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp after his family fled conflict in South Sudan. He later became an Australian international and represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup.

Nestory Irankunda

Watford FC player Nestory Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania before resettling in Australia, where he rose through the football system to represent the national team.

Bernard Kamungo

FC Dallas player Bernard Kamungo grew up in a refugee camp in Tanzania before resettling in Texas and eventually representing the United States national team.

Ermedin Demirović

VfB Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirović was born in Germany after his father fled Bosnia during the Balkan conflicts. He now represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Offers Global Platform

Many members of the Gamechanging Team are expected to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, providing UNHCR with a major global platform to raise awareness about refugee issues.

The upcoming tournament is expected to become the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring expanded participation and attracting billions of viewers worldwide.

UNHCR believes the global spotlight surrounding football can help humanize refugee experiences and challenge negative stereotypes surrounding displacement and migration.

More Than 48 Million Displaced Children Worldwide

UNHCR highlighted that nearly 48.8 million displaced children worldwide continue to face severe challenges caused by:

• War

• Violence

• Persecution

• Climate-related crises

• Political instability

Many displaced children experience:

• Separation from families

• Trauma

• Interrupted education

• Exploitation risks

• Social exclusion

• Psychological distress

The organization says access to sport can play an important role in supporting recovery and social inclusion.

Football Seen as Tool for Healing and Inclusion

According to UNHCR, football and other sports can provide displaced children and communities with:

• Emotional healing

• Mental health support

• Physical well-being

• Social inclusion

• A sense of belonging

• Opportunities for personal development

Humanitarian organizations increasingly use sports programmes in refugee camps and displacement settings to help children cope with trauma and rebuild confidence.

UNHCR emphasized that football can create safe spaces where young people reconnect with their communities, form friendships, and regain hope for the future.

Message of Hope Amid Rising Global Displacement

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih said the World Cup provides an ideal moment to share stories of resilience and hope with audiences around the world.

He described the players as powerful examples of what displaced young people can achieve when they are protected and supported.

At a time when global displacement levels remain at historic highs, the campaign seeks to remind the international community that refugees are not defined solely by crisis and hardship, but also by talent, determination, and potential.

Social Media Film and Artwork Campaign Released

The launch of the Gamechanging Team coincides with the release of a short social media film featuring the players and their personal journeys.

UNHCR also announced an upcoming artwork project by sports artist and human rights activist Carling Jackson.

The artwork will depict the football stars standing alongside younger versions of themselves — symbolizing the long journey from displacement and uncertainty to international success and recognition.

UNHCR hopes the campaign will inspire governments, communities, and football fans worldwide to support displaced children and ensure they receive access to safety, education, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive.