Australia made a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Turkey in a Group D encounter on Sunday.

The Socceroos produced a disciplined and determined performance to secure all three points against a Turkish side that entered the match with high expectations.

Australia absorbed pressure for much of the contest and capitalised on key opportunities to claim a memorable victory.

Australia took the lead in the 27th minute through Nestory Irankunda, who finished off a swift counter-attacking move after a well-worked build-up from midfield.

The goal lifted the Australians, who grew in confidence and continued to frustrate Turkey with their organised defensive structure.

Turkey enjoyed long spells of possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Australia’s backline remained resolute.

Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was also called into action on several occasions, making important saves to preserve his side’s advantage before the break.

The Turkish team pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the second half, but Australia continued to defend strongly and looked dangerous on the counter.

Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area to double Australia’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.

The victory gave Australia a valuable three points in Group D and strengthened their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.

The result also serves as a major confidence boost ahead of their next group match.

For Turkey, the defeat represents a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign.

In spite of controlling large portions of the game and creating chances, they were unable to find a breakthrough and will now need a positive result in their next fixture to keep their qualification hopes on track.

Australia’s combination of defensive discipline, tactical organisation and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive as they secured one of the notable results of the opening round of matches in Group D. (NAN)