Bayern didn't need him. Irankunda makes history for Australia at the World Cup
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The Australian national team pulled off a surprise in their 2026 World Cup match, defeating Turkey 2-0. One of the goals was scored by Nestory Irankunda, who not only helped the Socceroos break the deadlock but also set two historic records in the process.
In the 27th minute, the 20-year-old forward found the back of the Turkish net, becoming the youngest Australian ever to score at a World Cup. Irankunda was 20 years and 124 days old when he struck, breaking the previous record held by Brett Holman, who scored at the 2010 World Cup at the age of 26 years and 90 days.
What's more, Irankunda became the first player born outside Australia to score for the national team at a World Cup. The striker was born on February 9, 2006, in Kigoma, Tanzania, before moving to Australia with his family.
Interestingly, the young footballer's career has already taken him through a European giant. In 2024, Irankunda was signed by Bayern Munich, who saw him as one of Australia's most promising talents. However, the forward failed to secure a spot in the Bavarian system and, a year later, was sold to Watford, where he finally got the chance to play regular senior football.
