Australia Defeats Turkiye 2-0 in World Cup Opener, Velupillay Debuts
Published June 14, 2026
Australia commenced their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a decisive 2-0 victory over Turkiye in their Group D opener, a match that also saw Nishan Velupillay make his World Cup debut for the Socceroos.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, kicked off with an impressive performance from Australia, who secured a 2-0 win against Turkiye in their inaugural Group D fixture. Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the victory for the Socceroos, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach delivered a standout performance with a series of critical saves, thwarting numerous Turkish attacks.
The match, played on a Saturday, was particularly notable for Indian-origin winger Nishan Velupillay, who earned his first cap at a FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career. This tournament also represents Turkiye's return to the global stage after a 24-year absence, a comeback they had hoped to celebrate with a stronger showing.
Despite Turkiye's 21-year-old playmaker Arda Guler creating early opportunities, including a saved volley, Australia’s defense remained resolute. The Socceroos capitalized on their chances, with Nestory Irankunda opening the scoring after a swift run down the left flank from a pass by Paul Okon-Engstler, expertly slotting the ball past Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cak. The win provides a strong start for Australia in what promises to be an exciting tournament with 48 teams competing across 16 venues.