A symbolic team of famous footballers with first hand experience of life as a refugee was announced on Tuesday by UNHCR, just weeks ahead of the worlds biggest sporting event - the FIFA Mens World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup final will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a few miles away from UN Headquarters where, on Wednesday, elite athletes and sports administrators spoke about the power of football and other international sports to change the world for the better.
The world of football met the world of diplomacy this week as Brazilian World Cup legend Zico touched down at UN Headquarters in New York.
Thevividly highlights what is possible when displaced people condemned to a life on the run through no fault of their own, find safety, opportunity and a warm welcome.
The UN refugee agencys first 11 is made up of current professional footballers from across the world whose lives have been impacted by forced displacement, persecution or war.
This summer marks the biggest World Cup ever. It is an ideal moment forUNHCRs to send a message of hope to fans all over the world, saidUNHCRchief Barham Salih.
The team will be captained by former refugee, Bayern Munich player and Canada national team captain, Alphonso Davies, who was born in a refugee in Ghana after his parents fled war in Liberia before resettling to Canada.
In a world beset by conflict, with over 117 million people forcibly displaced globally, we show what is possible when kids find safety and opportunity. 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, said Mr. Davies, who is also aUNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
World Football Day
The side also features Real Madrid players Eduardo Camavinga born in Angola during the civil war and Antonio Rdiger, whose parents fled conflict in Sierra Leone.
News of the top team comes ahead of theUNs official World Football Day on 25 May.
Every child deserves the chance to grow, to dream and to succeed, Mr. Rdiger said.
It highlights the power of football to be more than a game for young refugees, it can be healing, it can bring hope, it can bring belonging, it also has the power to change lives, UN Spokesperson Stphane Dujarric said during his daily briefing from New York.
Healing power of sport
Children and youth are among the most vulnerable during displacement from war, violence and persecution. Some are separated from their families, affected by trauma, and some suffer abuse.
For young refugees and their communities, sports like football can play a healing role, helping to improve mental and physical well-being, ensuring inclusion and supporting development.
Each team member has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams, and they are a powerful reminder of just what young, displaced people can achievewhen they find safety and are given opportunities, Mr. Salih said.
/Edouard de Bray
The UN's North Lawn soccer pitch at headquarters in New York.
Kick-off at UN United
Ahead of World Football Day and the World Cup, diplomats and UN staff will take to a makeshift pitch on the iconic North Lawn, right of Manhattans First Avenue inside the UN campus on Tuesday for a special knockout tournament.
Ambassadors, former football players and UN staff including thePresident of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock will have to look past the usual national loyalties, to compete together under regional groups.
As a record heatwave hits New York and temperatures climb close to 40C, is hoping that diplomats and everyone else involved, can keep their cool in honour of the beautiful game.
