Football as a beacon of hope for displaced youth
A new football side made up of professional players who have been forced from their homes will soon take the field at the United Nations, using the world’s most popular sport to shine a light on the resilience of refugees.
The squad, dubbed the Gamechanging Team, is led by Alphonso Davies, a former refugee from Ghana who now serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and includes teammates such as Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rüdiger, both of whom have roots in displaced communities.
Their appearance coincides with World Football Day on 25 May and the build‑up to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, giving the team a global stage just weeks before the tournament begins.
Beyond competition, organizers say the matches are intended to provide therapeutic benefits for young refugees, helping to improve mental health, foster social connections, and encourage physical activity.
The event will also feature a special knockout tournament at the UN campus in New York, where diplomats, UN staff and other participants will compete, adding a diplomatic dimension to the sporting celebration.
According to the United Nations, the initiative seeks to bring hope and opportunity to displaced people, demonstrating how football can be a powerful tool for empowerment and community building.