Nestory Irankunda has overcome an injury scare to be named in an extended 24-player squad for the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia. The emerging star’s inclusion will give Australia a huge boost as they open the third round of 2026 World Cup qualification with a first men’s international on the Gold Coast on 5 September.
The 18-year-old has been under an injury cloud after being brought to ground heavily in a tackle while training this week with Bayern Munich. Irankunda reportedly had to be helped from the training pitch on a golf cart but has since been cleared of serious injury.
