Australia’s Nestory Irankunda Could Give the USMNT Some Headaches | OneFootball

With the USMNT taking on Australia in a massively important 2026 World Cup group stage match later today, we dive into the Socceroos player that could give it the most fits: Nestory Irankunda.

Australia is looking to write a new chapter in its growing football history. The Socceroos started the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 2-0 win over a talented Türkiye side, and are now on a one-way collision course with the United States men’s national team for a match that could decide who wins the group.

Australia has qualified for each of the last five World Cups, with one of its strongest recent performances coming four years ago in Qatar. The Socceroos finished with two wins and two losses, giving Argentina perhaps their biggest challenge en route to their title in the round of 16.

Now the Aussies are looking to push even further, and one player who could make real noise at the tournament is Watford winger Nestory Irankunda. The 20-year-old has already made a splash in the World Cup, scoring the first goal in the Türkiye match, and his dynamic playmaking ability could certainly throw a wrench in the USMNT’s home tournament campaign.

Player Profile

One of the brightest young attacking talents in Australian football, Irankunda was born in Tanzania and raised in Australia. He made his name at Adelaide United, where he quickly attracted attention for his explosive speed, fearless dribbling, and ability to score from long range.

Even as a teenager, Irankunda showed the confidence to take on defenders, deliver dangerous free kicks, and change games with his direct style and energy. His rapid rise made him one of the most exciting prospects to come out of the A-League in recent years.

That early success opened the door to Europe, where he joined Bayern Munich before continuing his development through senior opportunities and eventually moving to Watford.

Primarily a winger or forward, Irankunda is known for his scorching acceleration, strong right foot, and willingness to attack defenders one on one. While still improving his decision making and consistency, his athleticism and attacking instincts give him major long-term potential. Many believe he can become an important player for both club and country in the years ahead.

A Banner Season for Watford

Watford has not had much to celebrate this season, but Irankunda has been one of the brighter stories. Used mostly as a right wingback, he has developed the defensive side of his game while still contributing in attack.

Some of his best performances came when used further forward as a striker, where he scored two goals in nine appearances.

Overall, Irankunda has recorded four goals and five assists in 41 matches across all competitions. While Watford has struggled late in the season, the young Australian has continued to show encouraging progress.

International Appeal

For the national team, Irankunda stands out in a squad that still leans heavily on experience. He has scored six goals in 16 caps, the biggest of which opened the scoring account for Australia in the 2026 World Cup.

Whether as a starter or impact super sub, Irankunda could be the dynamite to propel the Socceroos to their best ever World Cup finish. He already gave the Türkiye back line nightmares, and now has his sights set on Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and whoever the U.S. will deploy to try and slow him down.

At 20, Irankunda is already Australia’s youngest ever goalscorer at a World Cup. But if he does something special against the United States, he could go from a fun trivia answer to a national hero.