Australia 2-0 Turkey, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights: Irankunda, Metcalfe Fire Australia To Dream World Cup Start
Live now Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 11:32 IST Australia Vs Turkey, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights Australia opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign
Live now Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 11:32 IST Australia Vs Turkey, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights Australia opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Türkiye in Vancouver, thanks to goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. The Socceroos absorbed early pressure from a Türkiye side backed by a vocal crowd and survived a couple of nervous moments, including two early corners.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach then produced a crucial save, tipping Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s long-range effort onto the post to keep the scores level. Moments later, Australia struck. A swift counter-attack saw Paul Okon-Engstler release Irankunda with a perfectly weighted pass. The 20-year-old winger cut inside and fired home at the near post in the 27th minute, becoming the youngest Australian goalscorer in World Cup history.
Türkiye dominated possession for large spells but struggled to break down Australia’s compact defensive shape. Arda Güler and company continued to probe after the break, while Beach remained alert whenever called upon. Australia then delivered the decisive blow against the run of play. Connor Metcalfe unleashed a superb low strike from distance that nestled into the bottom corner, stunning Türkiye and doubling the Socceroos’ advantage.
Despite sustained pressure from the Turks, Australia held firm to secure all three points and make the perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
The BriefWire