Australia coach Tony Popovic is banking on young attackers Nestor Irankunda and Mohamed Toure, both thriving in England's Championship, to lead the Socceroos to a historic performance at the 2026 World Cup. The team enters the tournament unbeaten in 11 matches and aims to advance beyond the round of 16 for the first time. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan provides experience, while the youthful energy of Irankunda and Toure is seen as crucial for success in a challenging group featuring the United States, Paraguay, and Turkey.
Australia winger Nestory Irankunda has emerged as one of the Socceroos ’ most exciting young prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup . — AFP pic! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today.
T&Cs apply. SYDNEY, May 29 — Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England‘s Championship and Australia coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever World Cup. Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.
They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time. In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.
Former Crystal Palace defender Popovic – who took over from Graham Arnold in 2024 – has a squad without glamour names, but there is plenty of talent plying their trade in England, Scotland and Europe. Goalkeeper and skipper Mat Ryan, 34, has played for more than a dozen clubs including Brighton, Real Sociedad, Lens and currently La Liga‘s Levante.
While Ryan brings experience, Norwich City striker Toure and Watford winger Irankunda will be at their first, and their raw potential excites Popovic.
“I believe that they can make an impact at the World Cup... they have the quality and they‘ve shown that when they‘re on the pitch, they‘re showing that they belong in this environment,“ he said recently. “If that continues we‘ve got two really good young, talented players that could hopefully shine at the World Cup.
“ Irankunda, 20, has rapidly matured since moving to Watford last year after a steep learning curve with Bayern Munich, where he struggled for game time. He underlined his talent with a 25-minute cameo in Australia‘s last match – a 5-1 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Curacao where he scored a terrific five-minute brace.
“I‘m always focused, always want to always make an impact, and always want to play well,“ said the exciting Irankunda, who scored four goals and had four assists in his debut season in England. “And he has the belief in me. And with his belief, I‘m able to do what I do, which is score from open play now.
“ Toure, 22, has also impressed since being snapped up by Norwich from Danish club Randers this year, scoring five goals in his first four matches to be named EFL Young Player of the Month in February. Injury hampered his rise but he bagged a hat-trick on his return in April against Bristol City and finished the season in England‘s second tier with nine goals in 11 games.
Australia striker Mohamed Toure has impressed with a strong run of form as he pushes for a place in Australia’s World Cup squad. — AFP picToure and Irankunda are good friends and have a lot in common, with both of them refugees. Toure was born at a camp in Guinea to Liberian parents while Irankunda was born a Burundian in Tanzania.
“It would mean a lot to me and my family,“ Toure said about representing Australia at the World Cup. “It‘s the country that gave us the opportunity to live, so I think it would be the best way to pay back and do what I love at the top level. “But Ryan said Popovic was a coach who was prepared to give players a chance regardless of experience.
“Tony has showed in his selection for games throughout his career as national team coach so far that if he perceives someone to be ready, then he puts them in and gives them an opportunity,“ he said. “Competition is what makes us the strongest team that we can be,“ he added. “It always brings the best out of one another, and it‘s a healthy thing to have within the side. “
Australia Socceroos World Cup Nestory Irankunda Mohamed Toure Tony Popovic
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