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Australia Embraces Immigrants on World Cup Squad with Message that Soccer Is for Everyone
A video from Professional Footballers Australia highlights players born in refugee camps as Australia opens Group D play.
The Socceroos open their World Cup Group D match against Turkey on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of immigrant players on the squad.
Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Beau Busch said the team stands as a "powerful reminder of who we truly are as a nation and as Australians," highlighting multiculturalism's profound impact.
Forward Awer Mabil, born in a Kenyan refugee camp, said "There's a lot of journeys behind the jersey," while teammates Mohamed Touré, Nestory Irankunda, and Milos Degenek bring diverse international origins to the squad.
This message arrives amid global anti-migrant sentiment, including a widespread immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump in the United States and visa restrictions that denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan.
Recent global unrest, including riots in Northern Ireland earlier this month, underscores the team's inclusive stance while the squad remains focused in Oakland, California, where Touré returned to practice on Thursday.
The Soccerians made a video where they highlight their origins in different countries and claim to be "the reflection of modern Australia." Message emerges in a context of increasing anti-immigration policies.