Australia kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver on June 14, and the story of the match wasn’t the scoreline. It was a 21-year-old wiping tears from his eyes before kickoff.
Paul Okon-Engstler, a surprise starter for the Socceroos, delivered one of the most emotionally charged debuts in recent World Cup memory. The Sydney FC midfielder registered an assist on the opening goal and helped Australia control the match from start to finish.
A family affair in Vancouver
The selection itself was a shock. Okon-Engstler was named in the starting lineup ahead of vice-captain Jackson Irvine, a decision that raised eyebrows before the match and silenced critics after it.
Born on January 24, 2005, Okon-Engstler is the son of Paul Okon, a 28-time Socceroo who was part of Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign. The elder Okon now serves as an assistant coach for the national team. He was visibly emotional on the bench watching his son take the field.
