ISTANBUL, June 14 — Australia upset Turkiye 2-0 on Sunday with its methodical defence and counter-attack playbook to secure the win in their Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BC Place, Vancouver, in Canada.
Anadolu Ajansı reported that Australia took the lead with a swift counter-attack in the 27th minute, as Nestory Irankunda punished the overstretched Turkish defence with a deep run and became the youngest player to score a goal for Australia at the World Cup.
Although Turkiye had more control of the ball and patiently built up its attacks, the possession was not enough to score an equaliser in the first half.
The second half started similarly, with the Turkish side increasing the pressure to level the score, while Australia sought counter-attack opportunities to secure their narrow lead.
Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead for Australia in the 75th minute with the same playbook, with Irankunda capitalising on a swift counter-attack to score his goal.
Australia’s five-man defence closed the box to any Turkish attempts trying to find a way through, which proved to be a tough nut to crack. The Turkish side ended the game with 28 shot attempts to Australia's 8.
As a result, Australia placed second in the group table, trailing the US, while Turkiye placed third, above Paraguay.
