Australia Open World Cup Campaign with 2-0 Victory Over Turkey
Australia made a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Turkey in their Group D opener.
The Socceroos took control of the match in the 27th minute when Nestory Irankunda broke the deadlock after being set up by Paul Okon-Engstler, giving Australia a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
Turkey responded with several tactical changes after the restart, introducing Kenan Yildiz and later Yunus Akgun in an attempt to find an equaliser. However, Australia’s defence remained solid and limited the Turkish attack to few clear opportunities.
Australia continued to look dangerous going forward and doubled their advantage in the 75th minute through Conor Metcalfe, who finished clinically to put the result beyond doubt.
The Socceroos managed the remainder of the contest comfortably despite numerous substitutions from both sides. Turkey’s frustrations were further compounded late in the match when substitute Yunus Akgun was sent off in the 86th minute.
The victory gives Australia three valuable points in Group D and boosts their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, while Turkey will be looking to bounce back in their next World Cup fixture.
