The Australian national football team made headlines in their 2026 World Cup match by defeating Turkey 2-0. Among the standout players was Nestory Irankunda, who not only helped the Socceroos secure the victory but also set two significant records during the game.
Irankunda scored the opening goal in the 27th minute, marking a historic moment as he became the youngest Australian player to score at a World Cup. At just 20 years and 124 days old, he eclipsed the previous record held by Brett Holman, who scored at the age of 26 years and 90 days during the 2010 World Cup.
Moreover, Irankunda achieved another milestone by becoming the first player born outside Australia to score for the Socceroos at a World Cup. Born on February 9, 2006, in Kigoma, Tanzania, he moved to Australia with his family.
On the club front, Irankunda has already had a notable journey, having been signed by Bayern Munich in 2024. Despite being seen as one of Australia’s most promising talents, he did not secure a place within the Bavarian system. In 2025, he was transferred to Watford, where he found opportunities for regular senior football.