World Cup 2026: Australia 2-0 Turkey - Socceroos make winning start to Group D campaign in Vancouver
Goals in each half from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe saw Australia shock Turkey 2-0 in their opening World Cup Group D clash in Vancouver.
Tony Popovic's side were considered big underdogs ahead of the game at BC Place, but they produced a disciplined display to record just their fifth World Cup victory and their second win in their opening fixture at the tournament, with young goalkeeper Patrick Beach the hero.
The 22-year-old was handed a surprise competitive Socceroos debut in place of the more experienced Mat Ryan, but did not let his side down with a string of impressive stops - eight, the most so far by any 'keeper in the tournament - to frustrate Turkey, the best coming when he tipped Abdulkerim Bardakci's long-range strike on to the post to preserve his team's slender lead.
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Earlier, Watford striker Irankunda had shown great skill and composure to fire Australia into a 27th-minute lead on the counter, before Metcalfe's low drive from distance sealed the victory with a quarter of an hour to go.
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14 of June 2026
