UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched an exhibition titled 'Uprooted to Unstoppable' at the UN Visitors Lobby in New York, coinciding with the start of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The centerpiece is a large mural by Canadian sports artist and human rights activist Carling Jackson, depicting UNHCR's symbolic 'Gamechanging Team' of eleven footballers whose lives have been impacted by forced displacement, including captain Alphonso Davies. The mural contrasts the players' childhood selves with their present-day selves against a backdrop of war and conflict, celebrating resilience and the transformative power of football.
The exhibition matters because it uses the global platform of the World Cup to highlight the plight of over 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, emphasizing sport as a tool for protection, healing, and opportunity. By showcasing the personal stories of refugee and displaced footballers, UNHCR aims to shift narratives from victimhood to empowerment, calling for safety and opportunities for displaced children everywhere. The initiative underscores the role of art and sport in humanitarian advocacy, making a complex global issue accessible and emotionally resonant.