Australia secured a huge victory in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, defeating Turkey 2-0 in their Group D clash at BC Place Vancouver on Sunday.
Goals in either half from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe helped the Socceroos claim a crucial result, marking the second time in seven attempts that Australia have won their opening World Cup match.
Despite naming 10 World Cup debutants in their starting XI, Tony Popovic’s side opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Irankunda, who became Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer at the age of 20 years and 125 days.
Desperate to quickly level the game, Turkey poured men forward in search of a goal. However, Australia remained disciplined in defense, protecting their 1-0 lead until halftime.
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Turkey came out firing in the second half with Hakan Calhanoglu shooting from distance few minutes in. But his effort was comfortably saved by Patrick Beach. At the other end, Irankunda continued to threaten on the counter, picking out Jordan Bos whose shot was deflected out for a corner.
Beach continued to make save after save as he superbly denied Arda Guler from finding the net after a well-taken free-kick from the Real Madrid youngster in the 57th minute.
In the 75th minute, Australia extended their advantage against the run of play as Connor Metcalfe fired a low and hard shot into the bottom right corner, beating Ugurcan Çakir to make it 2-0.
Despite the setback, Turkey continued to attack but were repeatedly unable to beat Beach who made eight saves, the most ever by an Australian goalkeeper in a World Cup game.
In the 95th minute, Kenan Yildiz fired Turkey’s 30th shot in the game, but his effort was deflected out for a corner. After a brilliant defensive effort, Australia eventually secured a crucial 2-0 win, one that many didn’t see coming.
The result means that Australia move up to second in Group D, behind the United States who began their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Australia will face USA in their next game on Friday, June 19 while Turkey and Paraguay will be desperate for victory when they meet on Saturday, June 20.
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