Australian players celebrate after their win over Turkiye in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match in Vancouver on June 13, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Australia spoiled Turkiye’s return to the World Cup stage after 24 years by securing a 2-0 victory in their Group D opener on Saturday (June 13, 2026), courtesy of goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia VS Turkiye LIVE updatesAustralia got the opener on the break when Irankunda controlled a ball over the top, took it past a defender and finished inside the near post in the 27th minute.Australia's resolute defence repelled all of Turkey's attacks and the Socceroos doubled their lead in the 75th minute when midfielder Metcalfe collected the ball around 20 yards out and swept it home.The result puts Australia second in the group behind United States after the co-hosts' 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday (June 12, 2026).Australia coach Popovic had pulled off a massive shock in his starting line-up, dropping experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of Beach, winning only his third cap.Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also dropped in favour of 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in a starting XI that featured 10 World Cup debutants.Both of those selections proved to be inspired, with Beach pulling off a string of fine saves to deny Turkey, who dominated possession and territory but could not find a way past the Australian goalkeeper.Okon-Engstler meanwhile was instrumental in setting up the opening goal in the first half, unfurling a long ball that split the Turkish defence and sent Irankunda racing in on goal to score.Türkiye — playing in the World Cup for the first time since finishing third at the 2002 tournament — arrived in North America dreaming of making a serious run in the knockout rounds.But their talented team made up largely of players who regularly compete in the European Champions League were unable to get to grips with a well-organised Socceroos line-up.One of Turkiye’s best chances came in the 27th minute when Real Madrid’s Arda Guler forced a smart save from Beach with a rasping shot. Published - June 14, 2026 11:47 am IST
