Bayern Munich-bound teenager Nestory Irankunda has earned his first call-up to the Australia squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June. The 18-year-old winger, born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his parents fled conflict in Burundi, is set to join Bayern Munich next season. Before his move to Germany, Irankunda aims to make his debut for the Socceroos in matches against Bangladesh away on June 6 and Palestine at home on June 11.

Australia, under coach Graham Arnold, leads their qualifying group with four wins from four matches, already securing a spot in the final stage of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Irankunda's inclusion in the squad comes after he recently suggested he might play for Tanzania or Burundi, having been overlooked for a recent Australia Olympic squad. However, Arnold confirmed that Irankunda is now ready to fulfill his dream of playing for the Socceroos. Irankunda has previously represented Australia at the under-17 level and trained with the senior squad in March.

The talented winger made headlines recently by becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in Australia's A-League, netting three goals in Adelaide United's 4-1 victory over Western United. The Socceroos will prepare for their qualifiers by training in Thailand before heading to Bangladesh.