Curacao: Curaçao: Socceroos Triumph with 5-1 Victory in Melbourne

In a commanding performance, the Socceroos defeated Curaçao 5-1 in a friendly match held in Melbourne on March 31, 2026. Nestory Irankunda emerged as the standout player, scoring two goals and showcasing his talent on the international stage.

The match saw Awer Mabil score the opening goal for the Socceroos in the 22nd minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. Irankunda, who came on as a substitute in the 66th minute, celebrated his first goal with a backflip and a dance inspired by Michael Jackson, further energizing the crowd.

At just 20 years old, Irankunda has already made a name for himself, becoming Australia’s second-youngest player to score an international goal during a World Cup qualifier against Palestine two years prior. His performance against Curaçao not only highlighted his potential but also his ambition, as he stated, “We want to be that group that goes all the way and potentially wins the World Cup.”

Coach Tony Popovic praised Irankunda’s talent, noting, “He’s young, he’s 20 years old, he’s a wonderful talent and we want him to be happy, want him to enjoy his football, but we also want him to understand that he needs to work.” Popovic also commented on the team’s performance, acknowledging the fatigue that set in during the second half but emphasized the sharper play from the substitutes, which contributed to the victory.

Curaçao, a popular Caribbean destination, has seen an increase in tourist arrivals in recent years, bolstered by the opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao in 2022. This growth in tourism reflects the island’s appeal, which may have been overshadowed by the recent soccer match.

The Socceroos are preparing for the upcoming World Cup, where they will face the USA, Paraguay, and either Kosovo or Turkey in their group stage. Their opening match is scheduled for June 13, 2026, and the team is focused on building momentum leading up to the tournament.

As for the friendly match against Curaçao, the scoreline of 5-1 serves as a strong statement of intent from the Socceroos. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of this match on their World Cup preparations, but it certainly sets a positive tone for the squad as they look ahead to the global stage.