VANCOUVER — Australia produced a disciplined defensive display and clinical counter-attacking performance to defeat Türkiye 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener at BC Place on Sunday.The Socceroos took the lead in the 27th minute when Nestory Irankunda finished off a swift counter-attack, becoming the youngest Australian player to score at a World Cup.Türkiye dominated possession and spent long periods on the front foot, but struggled to break down Australia’s organized five-man defense before halftime.The pattern continued after the break as Türkiye pushed for an equalizer while Australia looked dangerous on the counter.The decisive second goal arrived in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe capped another rapid breakaway move to double Australia’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.Despite registering 28 attempts on goal compared to Australia’s eight, Türkiye was unable to find a way past the resilient Socceroos defense.The victory lifts Australia to second place in Group D behind the United States on goal difference, while Türkiye sits third ahead of Paraguay following the opening round of matches.
VANCOUVER — Australia produced a disciplined defensive display and clinical counter-attacking performance to defeat Türkiye 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener at BC Place on Sunday.The Socceroos took the lead in the 27th minute when Nestory Irankunda finished off a swift counter-attack, becoming the youngest Australian player to score at a World Cup.Türkiye dominated possession and spent long periods on the front foot, but struggled to break down Australia’s organized five-man defense before halftime.The pattern continued after the break as Türkiye pushed for an equalizer while Australia looked dangerous on the counter.The decisive second goal arrived in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe capped another rapid breakaway move to double Australia’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.Despite registering 28 attempts on goal compared to Australia’s eight, Türkiye was unable to find a way past the resilient Socceroos defense.The victory lifts Australia to second place in Group D behind the United States on goal difference, while Türkiye sits third ahead of Paraguay following the opening round of matches.
