Sunday 14 / June / 2026
New York: Australia took a significant step towards the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after securing a 2-0 win over Türkiye in their Group Four opener.
The scoreline did not reflect the balance of play, as Türkiye dominated possession and wasted numerous chances across both halves. Their efforts, however, were repeatedly thwarted by Australia’s defensive resilience, with the Socceroos relying on counter‑attacks to claim the victory.
Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while Connor Metcalfe sealed the win with a second goal in the 75th minute. Australia are appearing in their seventh World Cup and sixth in a row.
The result leaves Australia second in the group on goal difference behind the United States, who also recorded a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the same round. Türkiye, appearing in their third World Cup after 1954 and 2002, remain without a point in third place.
Australia will face the United States in their second group match, while Türkiye take on Paraguay.
