From Conflict to the Pitch: Refugee Stories at the World Cup
The ongoing World Cup features a number of athletes whose families embarked on arduous journeys as refugees, escaping conflict and seeking new lives. These players, representing nations such as Germany, Canada, and Australia, embody resilience and the opportunities afforded by resettlement.
Antonio Rudiger's Family Escapes Sierra Leone's Civil War
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, representing Germany, comes from a family that fled Sierra Leone's protracted civil war. His brother recounted harrowing experiences, including being hidden in a rice sack by their uncle during their perilous journey from Kono to Freetown to avoid abduction by rebels. Rudiger, the youngest of six, was born in Berlin after his family found refuge in Germany. He reflects on his upbringing in a refugee center, emphasizing the importance of hard work and sacrifice to achieve goals.
"We had our room, then a family next to us had their room, so we were all together."
Rudiger believes it is crucial to speak out in support of refugees, especially as global perceptions towards them shift.
Alphonso Davies: From Ghanaian Camp to Canadian Captaincy
Alphonso Davies, captain of co-host Canada, spent his early childhood in a Ghanaian refugee camp after his parents escaped Liberia's civil war. Canada offered his family a new beginning, which Davies cherishes. He fondly recalls his first experiences with formal schooling, playing football, and making friends in his adoptive country, highlighting Canada's welcoming embrace.
Australian Forwards with Refugee Backgrounds
Australia's national team also boasts players with refugee connections. Forwards Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, and Awer Mabil either were born or grew up in African refugee camps. Irankunda, at 20, recently became Australia's youngest World Cup goalscorer. The multicultural composition of Australia's squad is a point of pride for the professional footballers' association, which created a video to showcase the benefits of immigration through their players' diverse heritage.
UNHCR Campaign and Shifting Narratives
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched a campaign featuring these and other players with refugee backgrounds, such as Eduardo Camavinga (France/Angola), Victor Moses (Nigeria/UK), and Asmir Begovic (Bosnia/Germany). The initiative aims to demonstrate "what is possible when young people displaced by war and persecution find safety, opportunity and welcome."
Despite these inspiring stories, Rudiger expresses concern about a changing global narrative, suggesting that empathy for refugees has diminished. He argues against generalizing negative perceptions based on the actions of a few, stressing that many refugees seek to rebuild their lives positively, learn new languages, and contribute to society.
US Refugee Policies and Global Trends
The context of refugee acceptance varies globally. Following his inauguration, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January 2025, suspending the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and significantly reducing the number of refugees accepted. This policy shift prioritized national security and public safety, leading to a drastic decrease in refugee admissions, particularly from African nations, compared to previous administrations. For instance, in the seven months from October to April, only 6,069 refugees were admitted, with the vast majority from South Africa, contrasting sharply with the 100,034 accepted in the final full year of President Biden's term.
Conversely, Canada has seen an increase in annual refugee acceptances over the last decade, with figures rising from 9,972 in 2016 to 50,067 in 2025. Nigeria has been a prominent source of refugee claims accepted by Canada.
Critics, like Krish O'Mara Vignarajah of Global Refuge, highlight the contradiction of the US hosting the World Cup—a celebration of human achievement—while simultaneously limiting opportunities for refugees. She notes that during the US's first World Cup in 1994, over 100,000 refugees were resettled, indicating a historical understanding that hosting the world and welcoming it were intertwined. Players like Rudiger and Davies hope their presence on the world stage will serve as a powerful reminder of this connection.
Source: 'My brother hid in a rice sack' - The refugee stars at the World Cup