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The Socceroos have pulled off a famous 2-0 upset of Türkiye in their World Cup 2026 opener at BC Place, Vancouver — spoiling the Europeans’ return to the tournament after a 24-year wait and roaring out of the blocks in Group D. Here’s our result, analysis and what it means for Australia’s campaign.
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How it unfolded: the Socceroos stun the favourites
On paper this was men against boys: Australia were rank outsiders at around $5.00 against a Türkiye side favoured near $1.85 and back at a World Cup after 24 years. Türkiye duly dominated the ball — they would finish with the lion’s share of possession and a remarkable 30 shots to Australia’s 9 — but Tony Popovic’s young, fearless group soaked it up, struck twice on the counter, and never looked back in front of 52,497 at BC Place.
Irankunda’s moment of history
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, and it was worth the wait. Paul Okon-Engstler picked out Nestory Irankunda with a raking ball over the top, the winger beat his man with a burst of footwork and drilled a low finish past Uğurcan Çakır. At 20 years of age, Irankunda became the youngest Socceroo ever to score at a World Cup — and he wasn’t shy about the doubters afterwards: “People underestimate us and we showed them today that we can play football,” he said, crediting Tim Cahill as his inspiration.
Beach’s wall: a debut to remember
The other hero wore the gloves. Debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach, handed the gloves by Popovic, produced a stunning eight saves — the most by any keeper at the tournament to that point. He tipped an Abdulkerim Bardakcı drive onto the post, smothered Arda Güler’s dangerous 57th-minute free-kick, and denied both Kerem Aktürkoğlu and a Zeki Çelik effort late on. Behind him, Harry Souttar marshalled a back line that racked up 55 clearances and refused to buckle under a barrage of Turkish crosses.
Metcalfe puts it beyond doubt
With Türkiye throwing bodies forward, Australia made them pay. In the 75th minute Connor Metcalfe carried the ball out of midfield on the counter and lashed a superb low drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner — Çakır had no chance. 2-0, and the upset was all but complete.
Türkiye’s frustration
For all their possession, Türkiye lacked a cutting edge. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu and the gifted Arda Güler probed without end product, and coach Vincenzo Montella’s decision to start Kenan Yıldız on the bench (he came on at half-time) drew scrutiny as the equaliser never came. Çalhanoğlu’s pre-match line that Türkiye would “dominate the game” because they had “more qualities” aged badly — the Socceroos turned it into bulletin-board fuel.
A statement start
It is Australia’s first World Cup opening-match win since 2006, when they famously beat Japan in Kaiserslautern. “Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this — to put a smile on these people’s faces,” said Popovic. From a position few gave them a chance in, the Socceroos have a priceless three points on the board.
Did our tips land?
A good day for the card. Our pre-match Australia v Türkiye preview made Under 2.5 goals the best bet — and the 2-0 scoreline got there comfortably. We flagged the Socceroos’ giant-killing pedigree even as outsiders, and so it proved.
What it means for Group D
It’s a huge result for Australia’s knockout hopes. With the USA also winning their opener 4-1 over Paraguay, both the Socceroos and the hosts sit on three points after Matchday 1 (the USA top the pool on goal difference), while Türkiye and Paraguay are both yet to register. That sets up Australia v USA on Saturday 20 June as a top-of-group showdown — win that and the Socceroos would be on the brink of the Round of 32. Full breakdown in our Socceroos Group D deep-dive.
What’s next for the Socceroos
Australia face co-hosts the USA on Saturday 20 June (Lumen Field, Seattle), then close the group against Paraguay on Friday 26 June. Both are live and free on SBS — see our World Cup 2026 SBS TV guide for kick-off times in Australian time, and the World Cup outright tips for the tournament markets.
Where to bet on the World Cup in Australia
For Socceroos match markets, group and outright betting, bet365 offers the deepest World Cup market list, with Ladbrokes and Neds strong for multis. Compare in our best betting sites in Australia guide.
FAQ
What was the score in Australia v Türkiye?
Australia won 2-0, with Nestory Irankunda (27′) and Connor Metcalfe (75′) the scorers at BC Place, Vancouver.
What does the result mean for Australia?
The Socceroos open their World Cup with three points and sit level with the USA atop Group D after Matchday 1 (the USA lead on goal difference).
When do Australia play next?
Australia face the USA on Saturday 20 June (Lumen Field, Seattle), then Paraguay on Friday 26 June.
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