Australia win 2-0 to spoil Turkey's return to World Cup stage

Goals from Irankunda and Metcalfe, combined with a resolute defence, take the Socceroos to 2nd in Group D

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group D - Australia v Turkey - BC Place, Vancouver, Canada - Jun 13, 2026 Australia's Nestory Irankunda celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Lee Smith

Australia spoiled Turkey's return to the World Cup stage after 24 years by securing a 2-0 victory in their Group D opener on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Australia got the opener on the break when Irankunda controlled a ball over the top, took it past a defender and finished inside the near post in the 27th minute.

Australia's resolute defence repelled all of Turkey's attacks and the Socceroos doubled their lead in the 75th minute when midfielder Metcalfe collected the ball around 20 yards out and swept it home.

The result puts Australia second in the group behind the United States after the co-hosts' 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday.