The Refugee Week World Cup hosted by Multicultural Youth Services saw players from Canberra's South Sudanese, Afghani, Sierra Leonean, Karen State Burmese, Nigerian and Somali communities meet on the field.

Youth services team leader Nunu Johnson said Canberra's refugee community was scattered across the city.

"It's important to bring everyone together," Ms Johnson said.

Ms Johnson said it could be lonely being a refugee in Canberra, especially for those who had arrived by themselves.

Mustafa Jawadi arrived in Australia by boat in 2004 when he was seven. On Sunday, he sat by the field to support the Afghani team.

"For us [Afghanis], we don't know other cultures either so we've got to come here to understand what the other cultures are like," Mr Jawadi said.

"It's how it's meant to be anyway. What are 'borders' really?

"There should be an Australian team here as well actually."

Karirai Kasaira, an immigrant from Zimbabwe, was rubbing Deep Heat on his legs in the stands as he prepared to play.

"There's no barrier of language when you're playing soccer," Mr Kasaira said.

"Anyone can play, unlike Aussie Rules, or rugby."

Mr Kasaira said it was hard to make friends as an immigrant in Canberra, but events like this had helped him.

"I think because of the social structure in Canberra [...] there's more loneliness," Mr Kasaira said.

Youth services director John Gunn said for some of the boys on the field on Sunday, soccer was a huge part of their identity.

"They've grown up with it. They've grown up with it in their cities, their villages and their refugee camps," Mr Gunn said.

Mr Gunn said gifted players were accepted much more easily in Australia's local communities as people recognised the talent.

"This is important to people who have no [refugee] status. Football brings a bit of normality to what they've been used to. It brings a lot of friendships," Mr Gunn said.