New York: Europe and the Arabs

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced the formation of a symbolic team of international players who have experienced displacement and refuge, ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

This team – known as the “Game Changer Team” – embodies hope, courage, and determination, and what can be achieved when young people forcibly displaced by war and persecution find safety, opportunities, and welcome, according to the UNHCR.

The team is led by Alphonso Davies, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and captain of the Canadian men’s national team, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents were forced to flee the war in Liberia before being resettled in Canada. He is joined by German player Antonio Rüdiger, whose parents fled the conflict in Sierra Leone to Germany, where he plays for the national team. Here you can see the full list of players.

Other team members:

Asmir Begović: Leicester City player, who was forced to flee Bosnia at the age of four, and represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Ali Alhammadi: Luton Town player, who was forced to leave Iraq in search of safety in the UK, and helped Iraq qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

Eduardo Camavinga: Real Madrid player, whose parents experienced the horrors of war in Angola before settling in France. Camavinga now plays for the French national team.

Victor Moses: Kaiser United player, who fled Nigeria in search of safety in the UK, and later represented the Nigerian national team.

Mohammed Toure: Norwich City player, who was born a refugee in Guinea, then settled in Australia, and now represents the Australian national team.

Awer Mabil: Castellón player, who was born in the Kakuma refugee camp and played for Australia in the World Cup.

Nestorie Iranconda: A Watford player who was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania and later settled in Australia, where he represents the national team.

Bernard Kamongo: A FC Dallas player who grew up in a refugee camp in Tanzania and later settled in Texas. Kamongo has represented the United States.

Ermidin Demirovic: A VfB Stuttgart player whose father fled Bosnia and built a new life in Germany, where Demirovic was born and raised. He represents Bosnia and Herzegovina and helped them qualify for their second World Cup.

Many of these players will be participating in the upcoming World Cup.

According to the UN News Daily, in a world plagued by conflict, with more than 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, UNHCR's "Game Changer Team" stands united, indomitable on and off the field, and a symbol of what can be achieved when young people have safety and opportunity. They support UNHCR in its call for safety and opportunities for every one of the 48.8 million forcibly displaced children worldwide.

As the biggest World Cup ever takes place this summer, putting footballers and the game in the global spotlight, these players are committed to using their platforms to share their stories from childhood to the present day, inspiring and showing solidarity with children and young people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes.

"This summer is the biggest World Cup ever," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. "It's the perfect moment for UNHCR's Game Changer Team to deliver a message of hope to fans around the world. Each member of the team has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams, and they are a powerful reminder of what forcibly displaced young people can achieve when they are safe and given opportunities."

World Football Day
The announcement of this team comes ahead of World Football Day, observed by the United Nations on May 25. “This team highlights the power of football and its ability to be more than just a game for young refugees,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the daily press briefing in New York. “It can be a means of healing, a source of hope, a symbol of belonging, and it has the power to change lives.”

The Therapeutic Power of Sport
Children and young people are among the most vulnerable and fragile groups during periods of displacement caused by war, violence, and persecution. Some have been separated from their families and have suffered trauma, while others have been subjected to abuse.

For young refugees and their communities, sports—such as football—can play a therapeutic role, helping to improve mental and physical health, ensuring social integration, and supporting development.

In this regard, Mr. Saleh said, “Each member of the team has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams; they are a powerful reminder of what displaced youth can truly achieve when they find safety and opportunities.” The opening whistle blows at UN Headquarters

In preparation for World Football Day and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a mini-tournament was held on a temporary pitch specially constructed for the occasion within the UN compound. UN officials and diplomats participated, including the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock.

Former football players and UN staff members competed in unified regional groups. While New York City experienced a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, the diplomats and other participants remained calm, honoring and embodying the values ​​of the beautiful game.

Ultimately, the Asian group, led by the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, Ambassador Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaie, emerged victorious.