Socceroos winger Awer Mabil has strongly rejected claims made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson that Australia's national soccer team represents a monocultural vision of the country. Hanson stated, "The Socceroos, in fact, represent my vision of a monocultural Australia."

Mabil, speaking after arriving at Adelaide Airport following Australia's loss to Egypt in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, called the suggestion that Australia is not a successful multicultural society "bullshit." He emphasized that his teammates remained focused on representing Australia on the world stage and were not distracted by the monoculture debate launched by One Nation during the tournament.

"When somebody tried to divide people based on certain things, because you don't pick where you're born, the colour of your skin," Mabil said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the team and country. Mabil, an Australian citizen who moved to Adelaide at age 10 after spending his early years in a refugee camp in Kenya, also stated, "You pick to be a good human being, yes, that's a choice."

One Nation responded by saying it did not politicise the Socceroos but only reacted to politicisation initiated by others.

Sources