Coach Tony Popovic's bold selection changes paid off handsomely as Australia defeated Turkey in their tournament opener. Photo: AFP
Australia may have produced the biggest shock of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver.
The result was significant not only because of the opposition, but because it felt like the arrival of a new generation of Socceroos players on football’s biggest stage. The defining image of the night came after Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
The young attacker sprinted towards the corner flag before recreating Tim Cahill’s famous boxing celebration, paying tribute to one of Australia’s greatest football icons.
It was a symbolic moment.
