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Australia got their 2026 World Cup campaign off to the perfect start after a surprise first-round defeat of Turkey 2-0 in their Group Four encounter.
The Kangaroos picked up their first three points of the tournament to put them in the race for qualification early, while Turkey were dealt a heavy blow in their first World Cup appearance after a long absence from the finals.
Thus, the Australian team ranks second in the group by goal difference, behind the leader America, and Turkey is in third place without a point.
Although Turkey controlled the game for most of the first half, the effectiveness ended with Australia.
Arda Güler threatened early on after an outstanding partnership with captain Orkun Gökçu, before wasting more than one dangerous chance amid the brilliance of young keeper Patrick Beach.
Against the run of play, Australia took the lead in the 29th minute when Paul Okon-Engstler sent a long ball in behind the defense and Nestori Irankunda raced onto it before deftly evading defenders and slotting the low ball into the net, becoming the youngest player to play for Australia in World Cup history.
Coach Vincenzo Montella brought on winger Kenan Yıldız early in the second half in search of a comeback. The Turkish team continued to press, but goalkeeper Pek continued his brilliance and blocked several dangerous attempts.
As Turkey looked to equalise, Australia struck in the 75th minute after Conor Metcalf drove the ball forward and fired a powerful shot from outside the box into the bottom corner for the second goal.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beech continued his exceptional performance until the final whistle as he made eight saves in the match, including a clear chance from Kerim Akturkoglu to lead his country to a valuable and deserved victory.
With the win, Australia head into their next clash against the USA in high spirits, while Turkey will need to make a quick turnaround when they face Paraguay in the second round of the group stage.
