Australia - Turkey Official Lineups, Saturday 13 June 2026, World Cup Group D

Australia triumphed over Turkey 2-0 in their opening Group D match of the FIFA World Cup at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday, June 13, 2026.   Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe were the goal scorers, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach made an impressive eight saves to secure the victory. This match marked Turkey's return to the World Cup after 24 years, but Australia spoiled the occasion.

It was a tough loss for Turkey, featuring players like Inter's Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Roma defender Zeki Çelik, and the promising Juventus talent Kenan Yıldız. Meanwhile, Sassuolo defender Cristian Volpato, who was listed among the substitutes for Austria, had reason to celebrate.

Irankunda opened the scoring in the first half, making history as the youngest Australian to score in a World Cup match at just 20 years old. Metcalfe added a second goal in the second half, marking Australia's second-ever World Cup debut win. Despite Turkey's 30 shots and nearly 72% possession, they were unable to find the back of the net.

With this victory, Australia is now tied with the United States at the top of Group D with three points. They will next face the USA on Friday, June 19th, while Turkey will take on Paraguay on the same day in hopes of improving their standings.

 



👉   1 Serie A players called up for  🇦🇺     the Australia National team:

• Sassuolo defender Cristian Volpato, listed as a substitute

👉  3 Serie A players called up for  🇹🇷  the Turkey National team:

• AS Roma defender Zeki Celik played until the 81st minute and was replaced by Salih Özcan.


• Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu played all the game.


• Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız played from the 46th minute, replacing Barış Alper Yılmaz.

 

 

👉   Click here for  Full 2026 World Cup Squad Lists – Confirmed rosters for all 48 teams.

👉  Click here for  2026 World Cup Group Stage Standings.

 



 

🏆👉 🇦🇺 Australia 1 - 0 Turkey 🇹🇷

⚽️ In the 27th minute,  Nestory Irankunda scored a goal. It was a swift recovery followed by a deadly counterattack. After receiving a perfect pass from Okon-Engstler, Irankunda surged forward, fending off Demiral's challenge and striking past goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakir with a strong and accurate shot.



Credit via x.com/

 



 

Nestory Irankunda has etched his name in history as the youngest Australian to score in a World Cup game at the age of 20. Fantastic job, congratulations!!!!

 

🏆👉 🇦🇺 Australia 2 - 0 Turkey 🇹🇷

In the 75th minute, Connor Metcalfe extended Australia's lead to two goals. Another swift counterattack caught Turkey off guard. Metcalfe, the keeper, propelled himself into the open after a rebound, delivering a strong and accurate left-footed shot from the edge of the box that left Cakir helpless.



 

 



Photo via x.com/MilliTakimlar

 

 



 

Australia official starting lineup against Turkey

Photo via x.com/Socceroos

 

Turkey official starting lineup against Australia

Credit via x.com/MilliTakimlar

 



 

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World Cup Group D Matchday 1

🇦🇺   Australia 2 - 0 Turkey 🇹🇷
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group D, Matchday 1
Date: Saturday, 13 June 2026
Venue: BC Place

Referee: Jesus Valenzuela VEN
Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego VEN
Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno VEN
Fourth Official: Kevin Ortega PER

 

⚽️   Goals:  27' Nestory Irankunda (A), 75' Connor Metcalfe (A)

🟨  Yellow Cards:  86' Yunus Akgün (T)

✅   Official lineups - Tabellino:



 

📺       Click the video to watch Australia - Turkey highlights on Saturday, 13 June 2026