Australia beat Türkiye 2-0 in World Cup opener, level top of Group D

Australia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye in Vancouver on Saturday, moving level on points with co-hosts the United States at the top of Group D. Nestory Irankunda put the Socceroos ahead in the 27th minute with a low shot from inside the box, and Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead in the 75th minute after a turnover by Ismail Yüksek.

Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was named in the starting lineup ahead of veteran Mathew Ryan and made eight saves to preserve the clean sheet. Beach's performance included a stop of Abdulkerim Bardakcı's long-range effort and a save from a dangerous free kick by Arda Güler.

Türkiye were making their first World Cup appearance in 24 years, having last played in the tournament in 2002 when they reached the semifinals. They missed five consecutive tournaments before qualifying by beating Kosovo in a playoff. The Turkish side featured young talents such as Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz and Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler.

Australia have now played in six consecutive World Cups. They lost to France in their opening match in 2022 but advanced to the knockout stage before falling to eventual champions Argentina. Irankunda, at 20 years old, became the youngest Australian to score at a World Cup, celebrating with a tribute to Tim Cahill.

Both Australia and the United States have three points after their opening matches. The two teams will meet in Seattle on Friday, while Türkiye face Paraguay, who lost 4-1 to the USMNT in their opener.