Socceroos attacker Awer Mabil has disputed Pauline Hanson's assertion that the national team embodies her vision of a monocultural Australia. Hanson, a prominent figure in Australian politics, had claimed that the World Cup squad represented her view of monoculturism.
Mabil, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents and later migrated to Australia, described Hanson's claims as "b******t." Speaking to reporters at Adelaide airport upon the team's return from the World Cup, Mabil stated that the Socceroos are the best representation of Australia, a country he believes is inclusive and embraces diversity. "We know what we represent. We represent Australia at the biggest stage, and Australia ... is the best country in the world, and the Socceroos is the best representation of that," he said.
He further elaborated that any attempts to divide the team or the nation are contrary to Australian values. "If anybody's trying to divide that, then they're probably not Australian themselves, in a sense, respectfully. Because Australia is very inclusive, includes everybody. That's what the Socceroos is."
Mabil, recognized for his Young Australian of the Year award in 2023 for his charity work with refugee communities, highlighted that multiculturalism is a strength within the Socceroos camp. "You don't pick where you're born, you don't pick the colour of your skin, you pick to be a good human being. That's a choice," he remarked. He added that those who choose to act against goodness miss out on the contributions that multiculturalism brings, describing it as adding "other flavours to the table instead of just one thing."
Earlier in the tournament, the Socceroos released a video message emphasizing their diverse heritage and migrant roots. Veteran midfielder Jackson Irvine commented at the time, "The Socceroos aren't just a team, we are a reflection of modern Australia." The video detailed the players' origins, including several who arrived in Australia as refugees. Mabil himself stated during the video's release that Australia is the best country in the world because it is multicultural.
One of the players featured, goal scorer Nestory Irankunda, who was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania, is another example of a Socceroo with refugee origins who is embraced by the nation.