WATFORD winger Nestory Irankunda’s stunning journey from a refugee camp to the World Cup continued as he found the net in Australia’s shock win over Turkey.
The livewire, 20, rounded off a lightning-quick counter-attack before Connor Metcalfe’s long range strike sealed a 2-0 victory in Vancouver.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
Nestory Irankunda bagged Australia’s opener Credit: AP
The Watford winger became his country’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the World Cup Credit: Getty
Irankunda was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp after his parents fled their home during the Burundian Civil War.
And he wrote his name into the history books by becoming Australia’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the World Cup.
Aussie keeper Patrick Beach made a sharp stop to deny Turkish talisman Arda Guler and, just seconds later, Paul Okon-Engstler found Irankunda.
He broke away from two defenders and calmly slotted past Ugurcan Cakir to spark wild scenes.
WHAT A SAVE
England stars’ stolen kit RESCUED by cops after heist sparked panic in camp
WORLDIE OFFERS
World Cup 2026 free bets and offers: Best new football sign-up deals
Irankunda, who prepared for the World Cup by bagging four goals for Watford during the 2025-26 Championship season, celebrated with former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill’s trademark celebration.
Turkey came agonisingly close to hitting back instantly when Abdulkerim Bardakci’s strike was diverted onto the post by Beach.
And the Melbourne City shot-stopper got down to his right to keep out a ferocious free-kick from ex-Arsenal target Guler soon after the interval.
Turkey continued probing and looked most likely to grab the next goal on the Canadian coast.
WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS
World Cup 2026 – all the info
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
This year’s World Cup will be like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought.
But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance.
JattvibeSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament
LATEST NEWS
KEY INFO
VIDEO
TIPS AND BETTING
If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
But Australia profited from yet another counter-attack with just 15 minutes to go.
Turkish defenders backed off Metcalfe and he sent a low drive into the corner of the net from distance.
That gave Australia breathing space but they still had Beach to thank for making a winning start to their World Cup campaign.
On just his third international appearance, having been given the nod ahead of former Brighton man Mathew Ryan, he clawed Hakan Calhanoglu’s curling free-kick away.
Connor Metcalfe ended Turkey’s hopes of a comeback Credit: Reuters
But the night belonged to Irankunda, who is now dreaming of spearheading Australia to the knockout phase.
Tournament co-hosts USA, who recorded a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay, await on Friday.
