© Australia for UNHCR/Dan Guia
Australia
Al Hassan Toure: Scoring goals
Al Hassan Toure was born in a refugee settlement in Guinea. Today, he and his younger brother Mohamed are first-class footballers, having both played for the Socceroos.
© Nestory Irankunda
AustraliaCelebrating the Socceroos from refugee backgrounds
Meet the players whose journeys to the FIFA World Cup began far from the pitch.
As the Socceroos take to football’s biggest stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Australia is cheering on more than just football talent.
This year’s squad includes players from refugee backgrounds whose journey to representing Australia began with families seeking safety and the chance to start again.
Meet the Socceroos from refugee backgrounds playing at the FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed Touré
Mohamed Touré's parents lived as refugees in Guinea for 14 years after fleeing war in Liberia. Mohamed was born in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. The family received support from UNHCR for many years before they resettled in Australia and built a new life.
Mohamed’s father Amara was always passionate about football and he introduced his sons to the game when they moved to Adelaide.
Mohamed and his brothers Al Hassan and Musa grew up playing the game alongside other refugee kids in Adelaide, including Nestory Irankunda and Awer Mabil.
The Socceroos’ centre forward has a huge role to play at the FIFA World Cup. His speed and skill were on display in the opening match against Türkiye that Australia won 2-0.
