Australia opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Türkiye in their Group D match at BC Place Vancouver.
The Socceroos took the lead in the 27th minute through Nestory Irankunda, who finished from close range after being set up by Paul Okon-Engstler. The goal gave Australia control of the match and rewarded their confident start.
Türkiye tried to respond, but Australia remained organised defensively and went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Australia continued to frustrate Türkiye and doubled their advantage in the 75th minute. Connor Metcalfe scored with a brilliant left-footed strike from around 20 metres, bending the ball low inside the right post to make it 2-0.
Türkiye made several changes as they searched for a way back into the game, including the introductions of Kenan Yıldız, Yunus Akgün, Mert Müldür, Salih Özcan, and Deniz Gül, but they could not find a breakthrough.
Australia managed the closing stages well and secured all three points with a clean sheet.
Goals
- 27′ Nestory Irankunda – Australia
Assist: Paul Okon-Engstler - 75′ Connor Metcalfe – Australia
Key Moments
- 27′ Nestory Irankunda gives Australia the lead
- 46′ Kenan Yıldız replaces Barış Yılmaz for Türkiye
- 61′ Nishan Velupillay replaces Nestory Irankunda for Australia
- 62′ Yunus Akgün replaces Orkun Kökçü for Türkiye
- 75′ Connor Metcalfe doubles Australia’s lead
- 81′ Türkiye introduce Mert Müldür and Salih Özcan
- 84′ Australia bring on Aziz Behich and Jackson Irvine
- 86′ Yunus Akgün booked for Türkiye
- 90+7′ Full-time: Australia 2-0 Türkiye
Substitutions
Australia
- 61′ Nishan Velupillay replaced Nestory Irankunda
- 74′ Tete Yengi replaced Mohamed Touré
- 74′ Jason Geria replaced Jacob Italiano
- 84′ Aziz Behich replaced Jordan Bos
- 84′ Jackson Irvine replaced Paul Okon-Engstler
Türkiye
- 46′ Kenan Yıldız replaced Barış Yılmaz
- 62′ Yunus Akgün replaced Orkun Kökçü
- 81′ Mert Müldür replaced Zeki Çelik
- 81′ Salih Özcan replaced İsmail Yüksek
- 85′ Deniz Gül replaced Kerem Aktürkoğlu
What It Means
Australia begin Group D with a major statement win. Their young players delivered on the big stage, while the team showed discipline, defensive control, and sharp finishing.
For Türkiye, it is a disappointing start. They had spells of possession and made attacking changes, but Australia’s defensive structure kept them quiet for most of the match.
The result places Australia in a strong early position in Group D alongside the USA, who also won their opening match.
Final Score
Australia 2-0 Türkiye
