Australia stuns Turkey 2-0 in World Cup Group D opener as underdogs defy the odds
Australia produced the first major surprise of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver despite being dominated in possession and shot count.
Australia shocked Turkey 2-0 in the Group D opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver, securing the tournament's first major upset. Turkey entered as favorites but could not convert overwhelming possession and shot count into goals.
Match overview
Turkey entered the match on the back of convincing friendly wins over North Macedonia (4-0) and Venezuela (2-1), while Australia had lost to Mexico and drawn with Switzerland. In front of a crowd at Vancouver's BC Place, the Socceroos withstood relentless Turkish pressure. Turkey fired 30 shots and held 72% possession, but goalkeeper Patrick Beach kept a clean sheet with a series of saves to give Australia an early three points in Group D.
- 27' – Nestory Irankunda scores after counter-attack, 1-0
- 30' – Abdulkerim Bardakci hits the post for Turkey
- 75' – Connor Metcalfe doubles Australia's lead, 2-0
- 77' – Kerem Akturkoglu misses close-range chance for Turkey
- 86' – Patrick Beach saves Hakan Calhanoglu free kick
Irankunda breaks the deadlock
The opening goal arrived in the 27th minute against the run of play. After Beach saved Arda Guler's volley, he quickly released the ball to Paul Okon-Engstler, whose long pass found Nestory Irankunda. The Tanzanian-born Watford forward cut inside Merih Demiral and beat goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir with a low shot at the near post.
Turkey’s missed chances
Turkey almost equalized three minutes later when Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range strike hit the post. Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler orchestrated attacks throughout the match, but Australia’s defense, led by Harry Souttar, held firm. Kerem Akturkoglu wasted a clear opportunity in the 77th minute, shooting straight at Beach from point-blank range.
Metcalfe seals victory
Australia doubled the lead in the 75th minute through Connor Metcalfe. After a swift counter-attack, the St. Pauli midfielder unleashed a bouncing shot from outside the box that evaded Cakir’s dive. Turkey pushed forward desperately but could not break the deadlock, leaving head coach Vincenzo Montella’s side with a 2-0 defeat.
Group D outlook
With the win, Australia moves to three points, level with the United States who earlier defeated Paraguay 4-1. Turkey faces an uphill battle to qualify from Group D.
