Nestory Irankunda scores Australia’s first World Cup goal against Turkiye

Nestory Irankunda scores Australia’s first World Cup goal against Turkiye The 20-year-old Watford forward became the youngest Socceroo to score at a World Cup, netting in the 27th minute of Australia's Group D opener in Vancouver Share Add us on Google by Editorial Team Jun. 14, 2026 Nestory Irankunda buried Australia’s opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 14, finishing a counter-attack in the 27th minute against Turkiye in Vancouver. At 20 years old, he became the youngest player in Socceroos history to score at a World Cup.

The goal gave Australia a 1-0 lead in their Group D opener. The goal and its context Born on February 9, 2006, Irankunda was just 20 years and four months old when he found the net in Vancouver. Advertisement Before the tournament kicked off, Irankunda had already accumulated 14 senior caps and 5 goals for Australia.

Coach Tony Popovic named Irankunda to Australia’s 26-man squad on May 31, 2026. From Adelaide to Europe to the World Cup Irankunda broke through at Adelaide United in Australia’s A-League before Bayern Munich came calling. From Bayern, he moved to Grasshopper in Switzerland before landing at Watford in the English Championship.

The 2026 tournament marks Australia’s first World Cup appearance since the competition expanded to 48 teams. What this means for Australian football Irankunda was born to Burundian refugee parents in Tanzania in 2006, making his 27th-minute finish in Vancouver a moment that carries weight beyond football statistics. Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team.

For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy. SOCCER Nestory Irankunda scores Australia’s first World Cup goal against Turkiye The 20-year-old Watford forward became the youngest Socceroo to score at a World Cup, netting in the 27th minute of Australia's Group D opener in Vancouver by Editorial Team Just now ago Share Add us on Google Nestory Irankunda buried Australia’s opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 14, finishing a counter-attack in the 27th minute against Turkiye in Vancouver. At 20 years old, he became the youngest player in Socceroos history to score at a World Cup.

The goal gave Australia a 1-0 lead in their Group D opener. The goal and its context Born on February 9, 2006, Irankunda was just 20 years and four months old when he found the net in Vancouver. Advertisement Before the tournament kicked off, Irankunda had already accumulated 14 senior caps and 5 goals for Australia.

Coach Tony Popovic named Irankunda to Australia’s 26-man squad on May 31, 2026. From Adelaide to Europe to the World Cup Irankunda broke through at Adelaide United in Australia’s A-League before Bayern Munich came calling. From Bayern, he moved to Grasshopper in Switzerland before landing at Watford in the English Championship.

The 2026 tournament marks Australia’s first World Cup appearance since the competition expanded to 48 teams. What this means for Australian football Irankunda was born to Burundian refugee parents in Tanzania in 2006, making his 27th-minute finish in Vancouver a moment that carries weight beyond football statistics. Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team.

For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.