Nestory Irankunda buried Australia’s opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 14, finishing a counter-assault within the twenty seventh minute in opposition to Turkiye in Vancouver. At Twenty years outdated, he became the youngest participant in Socceroos historical previous to attain at a World Cup.
The goal gave Australia a 1-0 lead in their Community D opener.
The goal and its context
Born on February 9, 2006, Irankunda became correct Twenty years and four months outdated when he chanced on the ranking in Vancouver.
Sooner than the tournament kicked off, Irankunda had already amassed 14 senior caps and 5 targets for Australia.
Coach Tony Popovic named Irankunda to Australia’s 26-man squad on Might maybe 31, 2026.
From Adelaide to Europe to the World Cup
Irankunda broke through at Adelaide United in Australia’s A-League sooner than Bayern Munich got here calling. From Bayern, he moved to Grasshopper in Switzerland sooner than touchdown at Watford within the English Championship.
The 2026 tournament marks Australia’s first World Cup look since the competition expanded to forty eight teams.
What this potential for Australian football
Irankunda became born to Burundian refugee other folks in Tanzania in 2006, making his twenty seventh-minute develop in Vancouver a moment that carries weight previous football statistics.
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