Football stars from refugee and displacement backgrounds in a new international initiative before the start of the 2026 World Cup

This team – known as…“Game Changing Team” – Hope, courage and determination, and what can be achieved when young people forcibly displaced by wars and persecution find safety, opportunities and welcome, according to 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 had to flee the war in Liberia, before being resettled in Canada. He is joined by German player Antonio Rudiger, whose parents fled the conflict in Sierra Leone to Germany, where he plays for its national team. Here you can see the full list of players.

The High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, said: “This summer marks the biggest World Cup ever. It is a perfect moment for UNHCR’s Game Changing 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 find safety and opportunities.”

World Football Day

The announcement of this team comes shortly before World Football Day Which the United Nations commemorates on May 25.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at the daily press conference in New York: “This team highlights the power of football and its ability to be more than just a game for young refugees; it can be a means of recovery, a source of hope, a symbol of belonging, and it also has the power to change the course of a life.”

The therapeutic power of sport

Children and youth are among the most vulnerable groups during periods of displacement resulting from war, violence, and persecution. Some have been separated from their families and suffered psychological trauma, while others have been subjected to abuse.

For young refugees and their communities, sports – such as football – can play a therapeutic role, as they help improve mental and physical health, ensure social integration, and support development.

In this regard, Mr. Saleh said: “Each team member has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams; they serve as a powerful reminder of what displaced youth can truly achieve when they find safety and are given opportunities.”

The starting whistle sounds at the United Nations headquarters

and talent For World Football Day Near the start of the World Cup, a mini-competitive tournament was held in a temporary stadium specially prepared for this occasion inside the United Nations complex, with the participation of UN officials and diplomats, including the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock.

Former footballers and international staff participated in joint competitions within unified regional groups. At a time when New York City was witnessing a record heat wave that pushed temperature indicators close to the 40 degree Celsius barrier, the diplomats and other participants maintained their “coolness,” in honor of and embodiment of the values ​​of the beautiful game.

Ultimately, the tournament was won by the Asia Group, led by the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, Ambassador Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaiei.