From Refugee Camp to the World Cup: The Inspiring Journey of Nestory Irankunda

Nestory Irankunda, a talented winger, recently made his debut for the A-League All Stars against Newcastle United. The 18-year-old player, who was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his parents fled conflict in Burundi, will soon be joining Bayern Munich for the upcoming season.

Irankunda received his first call-up to the Australian national team on Wednesday for the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for next month. He will have the opportunity to earn his first cap for the Socceroos when they play against Bangladesh and Palestine in June. Currently, Australia is at the top of their qualifying group with four consecutive wins and has secured a spot in the final stage for the 2026 World Cup.

After expressing interest in representing Tanzania or Burundi, Irankunda was overlooked for a recent Australia Olympic squad. However, coach Graham Arnold believes that Irankunda is now ready to play for Australia after showcasing his talent and dedication. Irankunda has previously played for Australia’s under-17 team and was called up to train with the senior squad in March.

Arnold is confident in Irankunda’s abilities and is looking forward to seeing him fulfill his dream of playing for the Socceroos. Irankunda’s speed and skill were evident when he scored a hat-trick for Adelaide United in the A-League, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat.

The Australian national team will be training in Thailand before their matches against Bangladesh and Palestine. Irankunda will have the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage and contribute to Australia’s success in the World Cup qualifiers.

Despite facing adversity early on, Irankunda’s determination and dedication have brought him far from where he started. As he prepares to join Bayern Munich and represent Australia on an international level, it’s clear that this young player has big things ahead of him.

In addition to being an exciting addition to Bayern Munich’s roster, Irankunda’s inclusion on Australia’s national team shows that anyone can overcome their circumstances with hard work and determination. With each passing day, it becomes more apparent just how valuable he will be as he continues to make strides both on and off the field.

As we look forward to what lies ahead for this talented young player, one thing is certain: Nestory Irankunda will continue to defy expectations and leave his mark on any team lucky enough to have him on board.