Nestory Irankunda honors Tim Cahill with goal celebration at World Cup

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:06 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Nestory Irankunda honors Tim Cahill with goal celebration at World Cup
Summary

Nestory Irankunda, aged 20, scored the opening goal in Australia's 2-0 victory over Turkey during the World Cup on June 16, 2026. Following his goal, Irankunda paid tribute to Tim Cahill, whose 2006 World Cup celebration involved shadow boxing with the corner flag. Cahill's celebration has become a tradition for Australian players, with Sam Kerr mimicking it at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Irankunda, already known for his unique post-goal celebrations, expressed his admiration for Cahill as an inspiration in his football career.

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By the Numbers
  • Nestory Irankunda becomes the youngest World Cup scorer for Australia.
  • Australia leads Turkey 2-0 in their World Cup match.
  • Irankunda's celebration mimics Tim Cahill's iconic 2006 World Cup moment.
  • Sam Kerr previously replicated Cahill’s celebration in the Women's World Cup.
  • Irankunda expressed pride in his achievement and Cahill's influence.
Latest Updates
  • 8:06 PMYahoo SportsPaying homage to Socceroos great Tim Cahill has become a World Cup tradition for Australia
What they're saying
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Twenty years ago, when Tim Cahill scored a late equalizer for Australia in its opening match against Japan at the 2006 World Cup, he ran directly to the corner of the field for a shadow boxing match with the corner flag. Cahill’s celebration in the 3-1 victory has since become something of a tradition for the Australians at the World Cup. Months after Cahill’s retirement from soccer in 2019, Sam Kerr replicated the celebration in France at the Women’s World Cup during a match against Italy.

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