Garang Kuol: The Remarkable Story of How South Sudanese Teen Refugee Made Australia's World Cup Squad

• Garang Kuol has been named in Australia's final 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar
• The teen sensation who is set to join English Premier League side Newcastle United in January made his Australia debut in September
• Garang Kuol was born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents before moving to Australia at the age of six with his family as refugees

Garang Kuol's remarkable 2022 keeps getting better and better after he was named in Australia's final 26-man squad for the World Cup in QATAR.

Born to South Sudanese parents in Egypt, Kuol's family migrated to Australia as refugees when he was just six.

Twelve years later, the Newcastle United-bound forward will be lining up for the Socceroos at football's biggest fiesta.

Early beginnings

Garang Kuol's family are from South Sudan and had to flee to Egypt during the civil unrest to seek asylum. Kuol's family spent six years in the North African country before leaving for Australia as refugees.

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Football in Australia

Kuol's love for football started at a very early age, joining youth club Goulburn Valley Suns. At Valley Suns, the young winger started to gain attention from A-League sides. When Kuol turned 16, he joined A-League club Central Coast Mariners.

The teen sensation will hog the headlines globally after starring in a friendly against Spanish giants Barcelona, grabbing the attention of Xavi.

“He did really well. He created many chances, almost scored,” Xavi told Network 10 post-game.

“So 16 years quite young. Dwight Yorke told me, maybe he’s a big liar. But 16, unbelievable.

“All the best for him and all the players.”

Joining Newcastle United

Following his outstanding display against Barcelona in 2021, several top European clubs including Barcelona showed interest in the winger.

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However, Newcastle United's persistence saw them win the race for his signature. He is expected to join the Premier League side in January from Central Coast Mariners.

Making his Australia debut

Garang Kuol made his Australia debut in a friendly against New Zealand in September. The 18-year-old impressed manager Graham Arnold and now he is headed to the World Cup.

Garang Kuol named in Australia squad for New Zealand friendly

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Egypt-born South Sudanese teenager, Garang Kuol, has been named in Australia's squad for the friendlies against New Zealand next week.

The 17-year-old was included in a 31-man squad for the double-header friendlies on September 22 and September 25, 2022.

Kuol, who arrived in Australia at a tender age, plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and could be part of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup if he impresses in the friendlies.