“Everything Is Possible”: Australia’s Awer Mabil Delivers Powerful Refugee Week Message Amid FIFA World Cup 2026

Awer Mabil reacted with visible joy during a media conference in Alameda on Tuesday when he recognised David Basheer, the long-time SBS commentator, ahead of Australia’s World Cup match against the United States on Friday in Seattle. The moment also reflected Mabil’s past as a refugee and his new life in Australia.

The 30-year-old forward, born in Kakuma, Kenya, to South Sudanese parents who fled civil war, moved to Australia 20 years ago at age 10 through the country’s humanitarian resettlement program. He started organised football in Adelaide, and his story comes during Refugee Week, with World Refugee Day on Saturday.

Refugee Week message

“It's a Refugee Week and it's a week that I would like to say to anybody that is misplaced all over the world that we are with you,” Mabil said. “And we are in a world stage right now, in a big tournament - and just to tell you everything is possible, so keep going.”

He also appeared in a viral World Cup video on diversity that said, “No matter where you come from, football is for everyone.” Mabil said the timing matched his own life story, adding: “we all belong to this world together” and “Now we're representing Australia.”

Role in the squad

Mabil sees himself as a “big brother” to teammates Mo Touré and Nestory Irankunda, who also came from Africa as refugees. Irankunda, 20, became the youngest player to score a World Cup goal for the Socceroos in a 2-0 win over Turkey on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Australia are hoping to earn more respect at World Cup level. Defender Alessandro Circati said, “I hope we're starting to gain a little bit more respect. I don't want to be the underdogs for the rest of my life.” Mabil said the team’s young players, many from Adelaide, reflect the strength of the local football community.

Training camp life

Mabil has played a smaller on-field role at this World Cup. He came on as a substitute in two group-stage matches four years ago, and did not play in Australia’s opener this year. Still, he said he is proud of the squad and ready to support younger players during the tournament.

The Socceroos are staying at the Claremont Resort and Club in Berkeley, near their training base at the former headquarters of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. Mabil said the team enjoys the omelet bar there. “Coming in as a senior player I think is more mental that you have to be present for the younger ones,” he said. “We just have to continue to be there for each other.”