Australia and Turkey met at BC Place in Vancouver in the opening round of the World Cup group stage. Australia took the lead in the 27th minute when N. Irankunda scored from a P. Okon-Engstler assist, sending them into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
After the break, Turkey made a substitution in the 46th minute, with B. Yilmaz coming on for K. Yildiz. Australia then doubled the lead in the 75th minute through C. Metcalfe, with no assist credited, to make it 2-0. Yunus Akgün was shown a yellow card in the 86th minute. Australia held on to win 2-0.
Match statistics showed Australia with 28% possession to Turkey’s 72%. Expected goals were 1.18 to 1.36, shots 9 to 30, shots on target 4 to 8, pass completion 74% to 90%, corners 5 to 8, offsides 1 to 3, saves 8 to 2, and fouls 12 to 4.
Looking ahead, Australia face the United States in the second round of the group stage on 2026-06-19. Australia are currently second in Group D with one win from one match, three points, a +2 goal difference, and are currently in the official Round of 32 qualification zone. Turkey will host Paraguay in the second round of the group stage on 2026-06-20; Turkey are currently third in Group D with one loss from one match, zero points, and a -2 goal difference.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign in / Register