Nestory Irankunda scores in Australia’s World Cup win over Turkey
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 7:41 AM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
Nestory Irankunda made history as the youngest scorer in World Cup history for Australia with a goal in their 2-0 victory against Turkey in Vancouver. The 20-year-old forward, who has a remarkable background as a former refugee from Tanzania, previously trained with Bayern Munich and has transitioned to Watford to secure playing time. His goal came in the 27th minute, showcasing his speed and power, marking a significant milestone in his career and for the Socceroos. Irankunda celebrated his goal by replicating Tim Cahill’s iconic celebration, highlighting his admiration for the Australian football legend.
- •Irankunda scored Australia’s first goal against Turkey in Group D
- •He is the first Socceroos player born outside Australia to score at a World Cup
- •Irankunda left Bayern Munich to join Watford for more playing time
- •He previously scored in World Cup qualifiers prior to the tournament
- •Australia won their World Cup opener 2-0 against Turkey
- 11:41 AMYahoo Sports — Irankunda goes from refugee camp to emulating Cahill at World Cup
- 7:41 AMYahoo Sports — Refugee who quit Bayern to create Aussie World Cup dream
- 7:41 AMBBC Sport — Refugee who quit Bayern to create Aussie World Cup dream
"Nestory Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania - but 20 years later he was scoring in the World Cup for Australia. His personal story, which included a stint on Bayern Munich's bench, reached its zenith in Vancouver on Saturday with the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Turkey.
"Nestory Irankunda was born as a refugee in Tanzania before becoming Australian record breaker with goal in victory over Turkey.
"Nestory Irankunda was born as a refugee in Tanzania before becoming Australian record breaker with goal in victory over Turkey.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 11:41 AMIrankunda goes from refugee camp to emulating Cahill at World Cup
Nestory Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania - but 20 years later he was scoring in the World Cup for Australia. His personal story, which included a stint on Bayern Munich's bench, reached its zenith in Vancouver on Saturday with the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Turkey.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 7:41 AMRefugee who quit Bayern to create Aussie World Cup dream
Nestory Irankunda was born as a refugee in Tanzania before becoming Australian record breaker with goal in victory over Turkey.
- BBC SportJun 14, 2026, 7:41 AMRefugee who quit Bayern to create Aussie World Cup dream
Nestory Irankunda was born as a refugee in Tanzania before becoming Australian record breaker with goal in victory over Turkey.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 7:34 PMBayer Leverkusen vs Paderborn
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 7:30 PMRB Leipzig vs Elversberg
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 7:27 PM2. Bundesliga: Grodowski grabs a brace as Arminia down Braunschweig
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 7:02 PMI'm not a mini Vinnie - Bayern's Danks has own plan to beat Dortmund
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 6:19 PMBorussia Mönchengladbach vs. Paderborn preview: Visitors searching for first head-to-head win
Bundesliga•Oct 30, 2026, 4:42 PMBayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund: Classic match - the night the Yellow Wall stood tallest in Berlin