Arabic version: احتفال مشجعي كرة القدم في جبل محسن شمال لبنان
A vibrant festival in Jabal Mohsen, a neighborhood in the city of Tripoli, Northern Lebanon, celebrated the Socceroos as fans took to the streets in mid-June. This event marked the first time locals organized a festival to support Australia in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to SBS News, the streets were filled with a lengthy motorcade of supporters waving Australian flags and wearing green and gold shirts.
The festival was characterized by lively chants of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi!” and was a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards Australia from the residents of Jabal Mohsen. Organizers like Omran emphasized the event’s significance, stating it was their way of saying ‘Thank you, Australia, from Jabal Mohsen.’ The connection between the community and Australia runs deep, with many families having relatives living there.
Ali, another festival organizer, highlighted the influence of Australian football on local culture, mentioning that many households in Jabal Mohsen have family members in Australia. He noted that the festival was a way to show support for the Australian community, both locally and abroad. Tom Wilson, Australia’s ambassador to Lebanon, reinforced this sentiment, explaining that many Lebanese Australians stem from Tripoli and that the community often supports each other during tough times.
Despite their passion for football, Jabal Mohsen lacks a dedicated football field, which limits local sporting opportunities. Suleiman, a local sports photographer, lamented the absence of proper sports facilities. The festival served as a reminder of the community’s resilience and love for football, even amidst challenging circumstances caused by economic hardships and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Ambassador Wilson visited the festival and met with the organizers, expressing his support for their efforts and discussing plans for a new football field in Tripoli. The festival not only strengthened community ties but also showcased the enduring spirit of the residents of Jabal Mohsen, who continue to celebrate their connections with Australia, particularly through the love of football.
