Australia's Irankunda revels in 'unreal' World Cup shock
"It's a dream come true. We've got the win now, we worked extra hard, we fought till the end, and it's just a moment."
Nestory Irankunda #17 of Australia celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Australia and Türkiye at BC Place Vancouver on June 13, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photos by Getty Images via AFP)
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VANCOUVER — Nestory Irankunda called it "unreal" after the 20-year-old born in a refugee camp played a pivotal role in Australia's shock 2-0 World Cup win over Turkey.
The livewire winger put the unfancied Socceroos on their way after 27 minutes in Vancouver on Saturday, and Connor Metcalfe scored another in the second half to make the game safe.
Nestory Irankunda #17 of Australia celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Australia and Türkiye at BC Place Vancouver on June 13, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
It was a brave but clinical display by a dogged Australia after coach Tony Popovic pulled off a big shock in his starting line-up, dropping experienced captain and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in favour of rookie Patrick Beach.
Up next are co-hosts the United States, in Seattle on Friday.
The Americans will be particularly cautious of the all-action Irankunda, who burst through the Turkey backline before firing home.
Irankunda, 20, celebrated by sprinting to the edge of the pitch and pretending to box the corner flag, mimicking former Australia skipper Tim Cahill's signature goal celebration.
"It's unreal," Irankunda, who plays in England's second tier for Watford after a stint with Bayern Munich, told Australian broadcasters.
"It's a dream come true. We've got the win now, we worked extra hard, we fought till the end, and it's just a moment."
Nestory Irankunda (17) of Australia celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group D match between Australia and Turkiye at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada on June 13, 2026.
Australia and in particular Irankunda, who never made a first-team appearance for Bayern, were riled up by pre-match comments by their opponents that they had more quality and talent.
Irankunda was pleased to ram those remarks back down Turkey's throats following a gutsy but fully deserved win.
"We don't like to hear people talk about us because we're a great team," said Irankunda, who was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp before becoming Australian.
"People underestimate us a lot, but we showed them today we can play.
"They kept the ball a lot more, but who scored the goals?"