Graham Arnold could tie Nestory Irankunda’s international allegiance to Australia should he debut the teenager in June’s World Cup qualifiers – but the Socceroos boss is adamant that’s not the reason for his international recall.
Irankunda has featured in just one Socceroos squad prior to the one confirmed on Wednesday morning ahead of two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine; the highly-rated teenager is eligible to represent Australia, Burundi and Tanzania and last week, set a challenge to Arnold to cap him or risk losing his international allegiance.
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Upon announcing his 25-player extended squad for the June qualifiers, Arnold revealed he was surprised by Irankunda’s press conference comments following his performance in the A-League All Stars Men’s 8-0 win over Newcastle United at Marvel Stadium, given the discussions around his call-up had begun in the weeks leading up to the game.
But Arnold took encouragement from the sentiment held within Irankunda’s challenge to the national team.
“Look, I was surprised,” Arnold said. “But the major point of that, was the fact he said his dream was to play for the Socceroos.
“When I spoke to him last week, that was his dream and his dream will be fulfilled.”
“He’s got the quality, he’s got the ability – now it’s time for him to show (it),” Arnold added.
“But I will say it was about three or four weeks ago I reached out to his agent Adrian Griffin, I reached out to Nestor, spoke to Nestor and it was all about (him) moving to Germany on the 8th or 9th of June, and for him to be selected, we had to get that changed from Bayern Munich, so he could stay with us for the FIFA window.
“Also, (it was) around his match fitness. He hadn’t played a game with Adelaide for four weeks, and it was important I went down to watch the All Stars game to see how he physically was as well as some other players. He showed he was ready, and that’s why he’s selected.”
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Taking part in either of the June World Cup qualifiers would cement Irankunda’s future with the Socceroos and rule out a swap of international allegiance, but Arnold is adamant that fact had nothing to do with his selection.
“It’s not about that,” he said. “I would never force anyone to play for the nation unless they really want it.
“I’ve had the conversations with Nestor and he wants that, he wants that badge on his heart and that’s the most important thing. I wouldn’t be pushing him, I wouldn’t be just capping people, I’ve never done that.
“It’s so important not only that the kid or player wants it, it’s also what the family want. And it’s very important that mum and dad are behind those decisions – and obviously they are.
“It’s not just about capping them and getting them locked down for life, it’s about getting them representing the nation they want to represent – and doing that nation proud.”
The Socceroos face Bangladesh in Dhaka (June 6) and Palestine in Perth (June 11) to round out the second-round qualification phase for the 2026 World Cup. Irankunda, who will soon depart Adelaide United to join Bayern Munich, was named alongside seven fellow Isuzu UTE A-League stars.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos could make his Socceroos debut after a 17-goal season at Newcastle Jets – as could Melbourne Victory’s Finals Series star Paul Izzo, who comes into the camp after an exceptional end to the season.
Adam Taggart, meanwhile, continues his national team revival after a Golden Boot-winning 20-goal campaign at Perth Glory. Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers) and Josh Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners) are also part of the squad – as is Melbourne Victory’s Daniel Arzani.
Arzani last played for the Socceroos at the 2018 World Cup; his return to the international fold, Arnold says, comes down to his impressive form throughout his first season at Victory, and the work of Victory head coach Tony Popovic to improve both his final ball in attack, and his defensive work rate.
“It’s great, I will say, around Nestor and also Daniel, it’s the excitement of the fans,” Arnold said. “It’s exciting for me also, to see them in the squad. But it’s also about performance.
“Daniel is, for me, I think he’s had a very good season under Tony Popovic. I think Tony Popovic has gotten the best out of him, and you can see his work rate defensively has improved out of sight.
“He still has that action, and what I have been impressed with is his final ball, or his final pass, his end product – that’s stepped up a level, which is great. It gives us an opportunity here for Daniel to come across and fit back into the mould of the Socceroos – but it’s all about attitude as well. These guys are coming in, fitting into the culture, and fitting into what our expectations, what we expect from them, and getting ready for these games.
“Let’s not forget the tough period the kid went through, when he went to Celtic and (did) his ACL, he was out for a year. He came back to Australia and it didn’t really work out that well for him at Macarthur. And he’s had to rebuild. With that, again I think Tony Popovic has done an outstanding job with him, he’s got him fit and hungry again.
“I have to say, the last six or seven weeks is probably the best I’ve seen Daniel since I had him in the Olympic team (Tokyo 2020) and before that.
“This is a great opportunity for the kid to come in and show us, show us how much he wants to play with the Socceroos, how much he wants to play for the nation, but also how much he wants to go to the (2026) World Cup.”
