Australia HubThe Socceroos, Australia's national football team, are a reflection of modern Australia. Midfielder Jackson Irvine made this statement in a video released by Professional Footballers Australia on the eve of the World Cup.
What happened?
The Socceroos won their opening group-stage match against Turkey 2-0, with Nestory Irankunda scoring the first goal.
Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania, East Africa, in 2006. His family moved to Australia when he was three months old.
Why it matters for Australia
The Socceroos' squad features several players with refugee backgrounds, including Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Awer Mabil, and Milos Degenek.
Toure was born in Guinea, West Africa, after his parents escaped civil war in Liberia. He moved to Australia with his family in 2004.
| Player | Birthplace | Refugee Background |
|---|---|---|
| Nestory Irankunda | Tanzania | Born in refugee camp |
| Mohamed Toure | Guinea | Parents escaped civil war |
| Awer Mabil | Kenya | Born to South Sudanese parents |
| Milos Degenek | Croatia | Family escaped conflict |
What comes next?
The Socceroos will continue to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with their next match scheduled soon. As of their last result, Colombia beat Australia 3-0 on 2025-11-19. Their recent form has been 2W-0D-3L, with their last three matches resulting in losses. J. Italiano is currently sidelined due to injury. The team's diversity is a strength, with players from various backgrounds coming together to represent Australia.
