Nestory Irankunda reacts to Pauline Hanson’s Socceroos comments
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 4:03 AM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Nestory Irankunda expressed anger over comments made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson regarding Australia's national football team. Hanson claimed the Socceroos represented a monocultural Australia, which upset many players, including Irankunda, during this year's World Cup. He noted the significance of their role as role models for young fans. The team's performance included a victory over Turkey in their opening match of the tournament in North America a week prior to these comments.
- •Nestory Irankunda described Hanson's comments as emotional.
- •Hanson's remarks upset many Socceroos players.
- •The Socceroos won their opening match against Turkey.
- •Players feel a responsibility to young fans.
- 4:03 AMThe Guardian Sport — Nestory Irankunda says Pauline Hanson’s Socceroos monocultural claim made ‘us boys angry’
"Forward says One Nation leader’s comments made him ‘emotional’ Players upset ‘because there’s so many young blokes that look up to us’ Pauline Hanson’s claims that the national men’s football team represented a monocultural Australia angered many Socceroos during this year’s World Cup, Nestory Irankunda has said. The One Nation leader’s comments came a week after the team beat Turkey in their opening match of the group stage at the tournament in North America. Continue reading...
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