Irankunda Leads Revamped Socceroos Squad for Soccer Ashes Against New Zealand

Nestory Irankunda, Australia's 19-year-old football prodigy, has been recalled to the Socceroos for the first time in nearly a year as coach Tony Popovic prepares a revamped squad for the upcoming Soccer Ashes series against New Zealand. Irankunda, who recently transferred from Bayern Munich to Watford and impressed with his performances there, had not featured under Popovic since October but is now seen as a key young talent with potential for multiple future World Cups. The squad includes seven uncapped players, signaling a shift towards integrating the next generation alongside experienced players as Australia begins preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Notable omissions include long-serving goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who was left out despite recently signing with Levante, while several other young and emerging players have earned call-ups. The two-legged Soccer Ashes series will take place in Canberra and Auckland in early September, reviving a historic rivalry between the two nations. Popovic has expressed enthusiasm about Irankunda's development and the fresh energy the new-look squad brings to the team.