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Australia Shock Turkey 2-0 in Group D Opener at 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Socceroos upset Turkey 2-0 in their opening Group D match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Australia produced one of the standout results of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Turkey 2-0 in their Group D encounter on Sunday.
The Socceroos combined defensive resilience with clinical finishing to secure a valuable victory against a Turkish team that controlled much of the possession but failed to convert its chances.
Nestory Irankunda gave Australia the lead in the 27th minute, finishing off a rapid counter-attacking move that caught the Turkish defence off guard.
The goal allowed Australia to settle into the game, with the team maintaining a disciplined shape and limiting Turkey’s effectiveness in the final third.
Turkey enjoyed sustained periods of pressure and created several openings, but goalkeeper Patrick Beach delivered an impressive performance, making key saves to keep Australia in front.
After the break, Turkey continued to push for a leveller, but Australia’s organised defence held firm.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe unleashed a powerful long-range effort that beat the goalkeeper and doubled Australia’s advantage.
The 2-0 victory hands Australia an important three points in Group D and provides a major confidence boost ahead of their next match.
For Turkey, the defeat leaves them under pressure to secure a positive result in their upcoming fixture to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Australia’s tactical discipline, defensive organisation and efficiency in front of goal ultimately proved the difference as the Socceroos celebrated a memorable opening victory.
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