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Refugee stars shine at World Cup for Germany, Canada, and Australia

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 1:41 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Refugee stars shine at World Cup for Germany, Canada, and Australia

Summary

Players Antonio Rudiger, Alphonso Davies, and Nestory Irankunda are among the key figures representing their countries at the World Cup. Rudiger's family fled Sierra Leone's civil war, while Davies grew up in a Ghanaian refugee camp after fleeing Liberia. Irankunda made headlines as the youngest Socceroo goalscorer following a 2-0 victory over Turkey. The players are emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Italy defeats Curacao 7-1 in their World Cup opener.
•Rudiger's family escaped Sierra Leone's civil war.
•Davies spent early years in a Ghanaian refugee camp.
•Irankunda scores in Australia's win over Turkey.
•UNHCR campaign includes multiple refugee players.

Latest Updates

1:41 PMYahoo Sports — 'My brother hid in a rice sack': The refugee stars playing at the World Cup
1:41 PMBBC Sport — 'My brother hid in a rice sack' - The refugee stars at the World Cup

What they're saying

"
Germany and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, whose family fled Sierra Leone's civil war, is among those campaigning for a change in global attitudes around refugees.
— BBC Sport