Irankunda Joins Watford with World Cup Ambitions

MELBOURNE: Australian winger Nestory Irankunda has departed Bayern Munich to sign with Watford in the English Championship League. He views this transfer as a vital move to reinvigorate his international career in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports from British media indicate that the 18-year-old winger inked a four-year deal with Watford. The financial terms of the agreement have not been released.

Irankunda acknowledged that his exit from Bayern Munich was a tough call, but he stressed the importance of consistent playing time to realize his aspirations for the World Cup.

“Leaving Bayern Munich was a difficult decision, but my primary objective is to participate in a World Cup, and the 2026 World Cup is fast approaching,” Irankunda stated.

“Therefore, I need to accumulate playing minutes, which I wasn’t getting in Germany.”

Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp to parents from Burundi, Irankunda relocated to Australia during infancy. Earlier this year, he garnered attention as the second-youngest player to score for the Socceroos, achieving the feat in a World Cup qualifying match against Palestine.

Australia secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after their victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah the previous month.

Discussing his new club, Irankunda lauded the highly competitive nature of England’s second-tier league.

“The Championship is a world-class league and competition,” he commented.

“The most beneficial step for me was to seek opportunities elsewhere.

“I’m thrilled and grateful for the chance I’ve been given, and I’m eager to integrate with the team.”

He further conveyed his optimism regarding his development at Watford, believing that the move presents an enhanced platform for his growth as a player.

“Hopefully, this subsequent move will contribute to his further development, and whether that translates to an immediate impact with us or not, it certainly offers him a better opportunity,” he concluded.