Overview
- Irankunda is poised to join Watford in the English Championship to secure consistent first-team football after limited chances at Bayern Munich.
- The 19-year-old failed to make a Bundesliga appearance and recorded one goal with three assists in 19 matches during his Swiss Super League loan at Grasshoppers Zurich.
- Tony Popovic has indicated that Irankunda’s inclusion in upcoming Socceroos squads will hinge on his performances at club level.
- Drawing on lessons from Crystal Palace, Popovic balances young players’ on-field talent with off-field maturity in his holistic mentorship approach.
- Australia’s friendly schedule ahead of the 2026 World Cup features matches against New Zealand in September, Canada shortly after and the United States on October 14.