Three soccer players born in African refugee camps are poised to represent Australia’s evolving national identity on the world’s biggest stage, as they prepare to help the Socceroos pursue their World Cup ambitions.
Head coach Tony Popovic is placing his trust in forwards Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, both young prospects hoping to earn their first World Cup playing time when Australia faces Turkey on Saturday in their tournament opener.
Awer Mabil, 30, serves as the veteran presence among the trio and will provide guidance as their “older brother” during his second World Cup appearance.
All three share common backgrounds as children of refugee families who developed their soccer skills in Adelaide, Australia’s quiet state capital.
These players have already gained recognition within Australia’s 500,000-member African community, and their connection on the field could prove crucial to Australia’s goal of progressing past the group stage and claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
“It’s the country that gave us the opportunity to live,” said 22-year-old Toure.
“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 competing in England’s second division, entered the world at a refugee facility in Guinea after his family escaped Liberia.
Though he has earned just 10 international appearances, he has established himself as Popovic’s preferred striker following an impressive stint with Norwich City, where he netted nine times in 11 matches.
The 20-year-old Irankunda, born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, has formed a close friendship with Toure and also competes in England’s second tier with Watford.
While Irankunda’s high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in 2024 didn’t pan out as expected, the player of Burundian descent has won over supporters during his 15 national team appearances through his dynamic play and distinctive goal celebrations.
Mabil’s soccer journey began with informal games among children at a Kenyan refugee camp, where he remained until age 10 after his family fled Sudan’s civil conflict.
Initially overlooked by Popovic, the forward with 38 caps earned his recall to the national squad in March for the first time in nearly two years, following strong performances with Castellon in Spain’s second tier.
“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,” he said.
The Socceroos roster, once primarily composed of players with European ancestry, has grown significantly more diverse in recent years.
Six players of African heritage — representing nearly 25% of the World Cup squad — are expected to see action in North America, twice the number selected for the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Four of these players developed their talents in Adelaide, which has emerged as an unexpected center for African soccer development.
Striker Tete Yengi, who plays professionally in Japan and scored during his debut in Australia’s 1-1 World Cup preparation match against Switzerland, completes the Adelaide group.
Yengi, whose brother Kusini also represents Australia internationally, traces his roots to South Sudan and maintains a strong relationship with former Adelaide United teammate Irankunda.
The Adelaide A-League organization has cultivated deep connections within the city’s African communities and has a track record of developing young talent, having given Irankunda his professional debut at just 15 years old.
“That’s why we keep producing these hidden gems,” Deng Akoy, a South Sudanese-Australian coach for Adelaide’s youth team, told Reuters.
Though Australia welcomes thousands of asylum seekers annually, immigration has become a contentious political issue, with some politicians attributing housing costs and social problems to immigration policies.
According to Akoy, players like Toure and Irankunda have an opportunity to change public perception at the World Cup by demonstrating the positive outcomes of multicultural integration.
“Australian football is reflecting modern Australia. So that’s something we should all celebrate.”
