Australian players Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored as Australia defeated Türkiye 2-0 in their opening Group D match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at BC Place in Vancouver on June 13.
The victory gives the Socceroos an early advantage in the group featuring co-hosts United States and Paraguay, positioning them strongly for qualification.
Nestory Irankunda, an Australian forward, scored the first goal in the 27th minute with a clinical right-footed finish from the center of the box on a counter-attack, assisted by Paul Okon-Engstler. Connor Metcalfe, an Australian midfielder, added the second goal in the 75th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box. Australia controlled key transitions effectively with a solid defensive display in the second half after taking the lead.
Australia now sits second in Group D with three points and a +2 goal difference after one match. Türkiye occupies third place with zero points and a -2 goal difference. The result highlights Australia’s resilience against a higher-ranked opponent in their campaign.
Australia faces the United States in their next Group D match on June 19, 2026.