More than a game
How soccer can change lives.
Photo: © UNHCR/Samuel Otieno
Photo: © UNHCR/Samuel Otieno
As Canada prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™, we celebrate the power of soccer not just to entertain but to unite, inspire and create communities where newcomers and refugees feel at home.
Whether you call it soccer or football, it’s much more than a game for refugees. It offers healing, hope, and a sense of belonging in their new communities. It bridges cultures, fosters connection, and gives young refugees a space where their strength and resilience can shine.
“It‘s not just about soccer. It‘s about giving young people a space where they feel seen, valued and supported.”
— Farkhunda Muhtaj, Calgary Wild FC
FIFA World Cup 26™
Across refugee settlements around the world, you’ll find kids kicking a ball, debating players, and dreaming of the big stage. In Canada, the sport offers newcomers more than exercise or excitement, it promotes well-being and a fun way to be part of their new community.
With the World Cup coming to Toronto and Vancouver in 2026, we’re eager to share how soccer can help bring us together. In this space, we will:
-
- Highlight the strength and resilience of refugee athletes, coaches and volunteers
- Showcase communities supporting refugee inclusion through sport
- Celebrate soccer’s global power to unite us
- Connect newcomers with the World Cup spirit
- Inspire refugee youth to dream big
- Advocate and raise vital funds for displaced people worldwide
FIFA World Cup 26™
Across refugee settlements around the world, you’ll find kids kicking a ball, debating players, and dreaming of the big stage. In Canada, the sport offers newcomers more than exercise or excitement, it promotes well-being and a fun way to be part of their new community.
With the World Cup coming to Toronto and Vancouver in 2026, we’re eager to share how soccer can help bring us together. In this space, we will:
- Highlight the strength and resilience of refugee athletes, coaches and volunteers
- Showcase communities supporting refugee inclusion through sport
- Celebrate soccer’s global power to unite us
- Connect newcomers with the World Cup spirit
- Inspire refugee youth to dream big
- Advocate and raise vital funds for displaced people worldwide
Share your story
We’re looking to highlight the stories of inspiring individuals. These could include:
- A refugee youth who found connection or healing through soccer
- A star refugee athlete
- A soccer coach or volunteer who gives back to the community or makes sure refugees feel included
- A soccer team or program with a special focus on refugees
We would like to highlight these stories on our website and social media. As this campaign moves forward, we’ll be looking for additional exciting ways to celebrate these individuals or teams.
Partner with us
We’re eager to work with a variety of partners in Canada to help us highlight the power of soccer to support refugees and bring communities together.
If you know someone who deserves to be featured or are interested in partnering with us, please let us know by contacting Zeba Tasci.
Share your story
We’re looking to highlight the stories of inspiring individuals and spotlight what soccer means to them. These could include:
- A refugee youth who found connection or healing through soccer
- A star refugee athlete
- A soccer coach or volunteer who gives back to the community or makes sure refugees feel included
- A soccer team or program with a special focus on refugees
We’ll be sharing these stories on our website and social media, and exploring more ways to celebrate these inspiring individuals and teams as the campaign unfolds.
Partner with us
We’re eager to work with a variety of partners in Canada to help us highlight the power of soccer to support refugees and bring communities together.
If you know someone who deserves to be featured or are interested in partnering with us, please let us know by contacting Zeba Tasci.
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