Nestory Irankunda

Debut: 06/06/24 against Bangladesh
Socceroos Cap Number: 643
Appearances (goals): 19 (6)
Major tournaments: FIFA World Cup 2026
Current Club: Sporting CP, Portugal
Junior Club: Adelaide Croatia Raiders (Football SA)

Nestory Irankunda has the x-factor that could be the difference at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in the A-League Men in 2022, where he made headlines for his explosive pace and powerful shooting ability. A move to Bayern Munich followed, where he spent time training with the first team, before a successful season in the EFL Championship with Watford last campaign.

He debuted for the Socceroos in June 2024 before scoring in a World Cup qualifier against Palestine five days later. The goal made him the second youngest goalscorer in Socceroos history, at 18 years and 123 days. He has only gone from strength-to-strength since.

The young South Australian comes into the World Cup in good form, scoring a brace against Curacao in March. He was named as the FIFA Series 2026™ player of the tournament after his efforts across the tournament.

Positive things happen when Irankunda is on the pitch, and Australian fans will be hoping to see the best of him in his first major tournament.