Australia stun Turkiye 2-0 in World Cup Group D opener

Australia upset Turkiye 2-0 in their opening Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing a disciplined counterattacking display in Vancouver on Saturday.

Goals from 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda and midfielder Connor Metcalfe secured all three points for the Socceroos, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach delivered a standout performance with a series of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Australia coach Tony Popovic made several bold selection decisions ahead of the match, leaving experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan on the bench in favor of Beach, who was making only his third international appearance. Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also omitted from the starting lineup, with young midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler handed a key role.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession and creating numerous chances, Turkiye were repeatedly denied by Beach, whose impressive display frustrated the European side throughout the match.

Australia took the lead in the 28th minute after Beach launched a move from deep inside his own half. Okon-Engstler collected the ball and delivered a long pass that split the Turkish defense, sending Irankunda through on goal. The winger showed composure to control the pass and finish low past the goalkeeper.

Turkiye came close to responding immediately. Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler tested Beach with a powerful effort before defender Abdulkerim Bardakci nearly equalized moments later, only for the Australian goalkeeper to tip his long-range strike onto the post.

Beach continued his heroics after the break, including a fine save to deny Guler from a free kick as Turkiye pressed for an equalizer.

Australia doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Metcalfe surged forward from midfield and unleashed a strike from outside the penalty area to seal the victory.

“It feels amazing,” Irankunda said after the match. “You have got to thank the staff and the nation for believing in me.”

The goal made Irankunda the youngest Australian men’s player to score at a FIFA World Cup.

The result marks a strong start for Australia, who are appearing in their sixth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall. Turkiye, playing in their first World Cup since their third-place finish in 2002, were left disappointed after failing to capitalize on their dominance in possession.

Australia, Turkiye, the United States and Paraguay make up Group D. The United States currently lead the group after a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match.