UNHCR’s Gamechanging Team

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, UNHCR announced its symbolic Gamechanging Team, a global squad of football players with refugee and displacement backgrounds.

From refugee camps to national teams, these players embody resilience and show that where someone starts does not define where they can go.

Meet UNHCR’s Gamechanging Team

Captaining the team is UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and Canada Men’s National Team Captain, Alphonso Davies.

Alphonso was born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled war in Liberia. His family later resettled in Canada, where football gave him a sense of belonging and opened up new opportunities. Today, he is one of the world’s most recognised players, using his platform to advocate for children and families forced to flee.

Joining him is Antonio Rüdiger, whose parents sought safety in Germany after fleeing conflict in Sierra Leone. Today, Antonio uses his platform to support displaced communities through his own foundation and through organisations like UNHCR.

The symbolic team also includes players whose journeys have been shaped by conflict and displacement including:

• Asmir Begović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

• Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq)

• Eduardo Camavinga (France)

• Victor Moses (Nigeria)

• Mohamed Touré (Australia)

• Awer Mabil (Australia)

• Nestory Irankunda: (Australia)

• Bernard Kamungo (United States)

• Ermedin Demirović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Many of these players will feature on the pitches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Together, they stand with UNHCR to send a message of hope to displaced children and young people around the world.

From displacement to the world stage

Behind every player selected for UNHCR’S Gamechanging Team is a story of resilience.

Some were born in refugee camps. Others grew up in families rebuilding their lives after being forced to flee. Many experienced uncertainty before finding safety and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Their journeys look different, but together they send a powerful message: displacement does not define a person’s future.

At a time when millions of people remain displaced globally, the Gamechanging Team stands as a reminder of what can happen when people forced to flee are given the chance to rebuild their lives and reach their potential.

“We are a team of players whose childhoods have all been touched by war and displacement,” says Captain Alphonso Davies. In times like these, I hope we can bring hope and a belief that no matter how hard the road is, you can always overcome it.”

Why football matters for refugees and displaced communities

For children and young people forced to flee, football is far more than a game.

Sport can create connection, belonging and routine during periods of uncertainty. It can support mental and physical wellbeing, helping young people regain confidence and imagine a future beyond displacement.

Across refugee-hosting communities around the world, children play with the same hopes and dreams as any child. Football becomes a shared language that brings people together, strengthens communities and creates opportunities both on and off the pitch.

UNHCR’S Gamechanging Team celebrates more than sporting achievement. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when people forced to flee are given safety, support and the chance to thrive.