Australia beat Turkey 2‑0 in Group D match at the World Cup.

Australia opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2‑0 win over Turkey in a Group D match on Sunday.

The Socceroos displayed discipline and determination, earning all three points against a Turkish side that had entered the game with high expectations.

Australia absorbed pressure for most of the match and seized key moments to secure a memorable victory.

In the 27th minute, Nestory Irankunda finished a swift counter‑attack, giving Australia the lead after a well‑worked build‑up from midfield.

The goal lifted the Australians’ confidence, and they continued to frustrate Turkey with an organised defensive structure.

Turkey dominated possession for long stretches and created several chances, but Australia’s backline stayed resolute.

Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made crucial saves to preserve the advantage before the break.

In the second half, Turkey pushed forward in search of an equaliser, yet Australia defended strongly and remained dangerous on the counter‑attack.

Persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe struck a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, doubling Australia’s lead and cementing the result.

The win gave Australia three valuable points in Group D and strengthened their prospects of advancing to the knockout stage.

The result also provides a significant confidence boost ahead of their next group match.

For Turkey, the defeat marks a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign. Despite controlling large portions of the game and creating opportunities, they failed to find a breakthrough and will need a positive result in their next fixture to keep qualification hopes alive.

Australia’s blend of defensive discipline, tactical organisation and clinical finishing proved decisive, making the match one of the notable results of the opening round in Group D.

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