By Bonface Mulyungi
Australia opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a stunning win against Türkiye as they went second in Group D (behind the US on goal difference) as they ran out 2-0 winners in Vancouver.
Nestory Irankunda scored the first as he ran at, and beyond, the Turkish defence on a rapid counter and placed a neat finish low past Turkish keeper Ugurcan Cakir.
They then continued to sit back and allow Türkiye to cross futilely into the box or take pot shots from distance. In the 75th minute, just as it looked like the Turks might be gaining some momentum and putting Australia under proper pressure, they countered again.
Connor Metcalfe ran at goal and smacked a low drive from range to make it 2-0.
