Nestory Irankunda (right) celebrates after scoring for the Australian national team against Turkey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match held in Vancouver on 13 June 2026.
Two years have passed since the Australian player who once faced Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta now shines brightly at the 2026 World Cup.
The player in question is Nestory Irankunda.
Back then, Irankunda featured for Australia in a 0-0 draw against Indonesia during the first meeting of the third round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifiers on 10 September 2024.
Now, Irankunda has become a key figure for Australia in their Group D encounter against Turkey at the 2026 World Cup, held at BC Place, Vancouver, on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
Irankunda opened the scoring for Australia in the 27th minute.
The second goal came from Connor Metcalfe in the 75th minute.
Australia secured a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey.
Irankunda was named the Superior Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
The 20-year-old expressed his delight after scoring his first-ever World Cup goal.
“It feels incredible to score on my World Cup debut,” Irankunda told FIFA.
“This is only the second time we’ve won our opening match, and we’re very proud of that. We hope everyone back home feels the same pride,” he added.
Irankunda admitted that he does not set personal records or targets.
“When it comes to individual records, honestly, I don’t think about those things,” he said.
“I just try to perform my best whenever I represent my national team, and that’s exactly what I did today.”
“I gave everything I had. Of course, my legs were gone by the end, but that’s what I love—giving my all for the country that has given me everything,” he continued.
The young forward also shared that his biggest inspiration is Tim Cahill.
“This one is for Timmy Cahill; he’s my biggest inspiration in Australian football,” said Irankunda.
“I’ve always admired him and hope to meet him one day.”
“I had to do that celebration for this country—to remind people and to show young kids that whoever they look up to, they can become like them someday.”
“That’s my goal—to be like Timmy Cahill one day,” he concluded.
