Nestory Irankunda made history as Australia's youngest World Cup scorer when he netted the opener in a 2-0 Group D victory over Turkey in their tournament opener. The 20-year-old Watford forward said post-match: "It is unreal and a dream come true." Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp in 2006 to Burundian parents fleeing civil war, Irankunda migrated to Australia as a young child.
Irankunda progressed through Adelaide United's A-League squad, recording 16 goals and eight assists, before joining Bayern Munich in 2024. Despite training alongside England striker Harry Kane, he secured no first-team appearances and was loaned to Swiss side Grasshopper last season.
In summer 2025, with his World Cup dream at risk due to lack of playing minutes, Irankunda chose Watford over remaining in the Bundesliga. "My biggest goal for me is to play at the World Cup," he told Sky Sports. "The 2026 World Cup is around the corner and I have to play minutes; I wasn't playing minutes. It has always been a dream of mine to play in England." Teammate Mohamed Toure has nicknamed him "Houdini," and Irankunda could potentially have the same impact on Australia as Jude Bellingham has had on England.
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