Popovic praises 'special' young Australia after 2-0 win over Turkey in World Cup opening match

Australia made an excellent start to the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Turkey. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe made the difference with two fine goals - one in each half - which put the Socceroos at the top of Group D after round one, level with the next opponent: the United States.

The foundation for the victory was laid at the back, where goalkeeper Patrick Beach excelled with no fewer than eight saves. That is the highest number for a goalkeeper in his World Cup debut since Rustu Recber recorded nine for Turkey against Brazil in 2002. Statistically, it was also a special evening for Australia: only the second time the country won its first match at a World Cup (last in 2006) and it was only the fifth time ever that Australia scored two or more goals in a World Cup match.

Also notable was the Socceroos' low ball possession: 28.3 percent. It is the lowest percentage in their World Cup history and the lowest of all teams so far at this tournament. However, Tony Popovic's team showed themselves to be deadly effective in the transition, something that made the national coach visibly proud.


"Proud. Proud to be here as national coach," said Popovic. "Proud that we can experience this and put a smile on the faces of the people who have traveled so far to support us. Happy for this great group of young men. At this moment I am especially proud - also of the staff for the work that has been done. It was very special. You see the young boys score a goal together; you cannot underestimate what that does for their confidence and belief. Emotionally this has taken a lot from the players, so we have to recover well and focus on the United States."

It was a frustrating evening for Turkey. The team remained without a goal in a World Cup match for only the second time, while in the four previous meetings with opponents from the Asian association it scored an average of 3.5 goals per game. The Turkish team fired 30 shots – the highest number without scoring at a World Cup since Portugal in 2006 (31 against England). Arda Güler single-handedly scored eight tries, the most by any player so far this tournament. Despite that number of chances, Turkey did not score further than 1.4 'expected goals' (xG), to the disappointment of national coach Vincenzo Montella.

“We created so many chances, but didn't score. That's football,” said Montella. "They defended very well; it was difficult to get into the penalty area. They did an excellent job on the counter, that is their best weapon. Nothing is lost; there are still two games to go and I am confident. We are disappointed with the result, but there is time to continue; we have to stay positive."

With three points in their pocket and a dose of confidence, Australia now focuses on the cracker against the United States, while Turkey has to chase in Group D.

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