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 updates

Australia ⁠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.

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 updates

Australia ⁠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.