Nestory Irankunda is hoping a fresh start at Watford will help reignite his international ambitions as the 19-year-old winger aims to play for Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Bayern Munich prospect has joined the English Championship club on a reported four-year deal, with financial terms undisclosed. His high-profile move from Adelaide United to the German giants had sparked excitement back home, but after struggling for first-team opportunities under Bayern boss Vincent Kompany — and a loan spell at Swiss side Grasshoppers — Irankunda has opted for a change in direction.
“It was a very hard decision (to leave Bayern Munich) but for me, my biggest goal is to play in a World Cup and the 2026 World Cup is just around the corner,” Irankunda told Sky at Heathrow Airport. “So I have to be playing minutes and I wasn’t playing (in Germany).”
Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to Burundian parents before moving to Australia as a child, Irankunda made his Socceroos debut under Graham Arnold in 2024. He became the second-youngest player to score for Australia in a World Cup qualifier — finding the net against Palestine — but has since fallen out of favour, with current head coach Tony Popovic overlooking him for the last three international windows.
Now at Watford, who finished mid-table in the Championship last season, Irankunda is looking to make up for lost time.
“It’s always been a dream to play in England,” he said. “The Championship’s also a world-class league and competition. The best thing for me was to go somewhere else. I’m excited and very happy with the opportunity I’ve been given and just ready to get started with the team.”
Australia confirmed their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America last month with a decisive win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. With just over a year to go until the tournament kicks off, Irankunda knows consistent playing time will be crucial if he is to force his way back into the national squad.
Socceroos boss Popovic expressed optimism about Irankunda’s move. “Hopefully this next move can develop him further, and whether that’s an immediate impact with us or not, it gives him a better chance of course,” he said.
Having already shown glimpses of his prodigious talent on the international stage, Irankunda’s journey now continues in England — with a World Cup dream firmly in sight.