SANTA CLARA, California – Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players embody the changing face of Australian soccer at the World Cup and answer the nation’s call for goals.
Popovic's Young Talents
Coach Tony Popovic is placing his faith in attackers Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two young talents eyeing their first World Cup minutes in the Socceroos’ opening match against Turkey on Saturday. At 30, Awer Mabil serves as their “older brother,” mentoring them at his second World Cup.
The trio share a background as children of asylum seekers who rose through football ranks in Adelaide, Australia’s sleepy state capital.
Shared Refugee Background
Mohamed Toure, 22, was born in a Guinea refugee camp after his parents fled Liberia. Playing in England’s second tier, he has become Popovic’s first-choice striker after scoring nine goals in 11 appearances for Norwich City. “It’s the country that gave us the opportunity to live,” Toure said. “The World Cup would be the best way to pay back.”
Nestory Irankunda, 20, was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp and plays for Watford in England’s second tier. His high-profile move to Bayern Munich in 2024 didn't work out, but the son of Burundian parents has become a fan favorite for Australia with his energy and flashy celebrations.
Awer Mabil first played soccer with other kids at a Kenyan refugee camp, where he lived until age 10 after his family fled Sudan’s civil war. Overlooked initially, the 38-cap forward was recalled to the Socceroos in March after finding form for Castellon in Spain’s second division. “I had a little taste in the last World Cup, but this one means extra because it’s not been an easy couple of years,” he said.
Diversity in Socceroos Squad
Socceroos squads, once dominated by players with European heritage, have become increasingly diverse. Six players with African heritage – nearly a quarter of the World Cup squad – will take the field in North America, double the number selected for Qatar 2022. Four grew up and played in Adelaide, an unlikely hotbed of African soccer talent.
Towering Japan-based striker Tete Yengi, who scored on his debut in Australia’s 1-1 World Cup warmup against Switzerland, is another member of the Adelaide cohort. Yengi, whose brother Kusini is also a capped Socceroos forward, has South Sudanese heritage and a strong rapport with former Adelaide United teammate Irankunda.
Adelaide's Role
The Adelaide A-League club has strong ties to the city’s African communities and a record of promoting raw juniors, having given Irankunda his debut at 15. “That’s why we keep producing these hidden gems,” said Deng Akoy, a South Sudanese-Australian coach for Adelaide’s youth team.
While Australia grants asylum to thousands of refugees yearly, immigration has become a political football, with populist politicians blaming it for high housing costs and social ills. Akoy said players like Toure and Irankunda can shift the narrative and show the success of multiculturalism. “Australian football is reflecting modern Australia. So that’s something we should all celebrate.”
