Vancouver, Canada, June 14 (SANA) Australia began its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye in their Group D opener at BC Place on Saturday, securing three points ahead of a second-round clash with the United States.
Nestory Irankunda put Australia ahead in the 27th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by Paul Okon-Engstler.
Türkiye pressed for an equalizer before and after halftime, with Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Arda Güler among the visitors’ main attacking threats, but Australia resisted the pressure through a disciplined defensive display and several key saves from goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Connor Metcalfe sealed the result in the 75th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area to double Australia’s advantage.
The win leaves Australia on three points after the opening round of Group D matches. Australia will face the United States in its next group-stage fixture, while Türkiye will take on Paraguay as it seeks its first points of the tournament.
R.D/ABD
