Coach Tony Popovic's bold selection changes paid off handsomely as Australia defeated Turkey in their tournament opener. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
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Australia may have produced the biggest shock of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver.
The result was significant not only because of the opposition, but because it felt like the arrival of a new generation of Socceroos players on football’s biggest stage. The defining image of the night came after Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
The young attacker sprinted towards the corner flag before recreating Tim Cahill’s famous boxing celebration, paying tribute to one of Australia’s greatest football icons.
It was a symbolic moment.
For years, Australian football has searched for the next group capable of carrying the national team forward. Against Turkey, that search appeared to bear fruit.
Much of the pre-match focus centred on coach Tony Popovic’s decision to leave experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan out of the starting lineup in favour of Patrick Beach.
It was one of the boldest selection calls of the tournament so far. By the final whistle, it looked inspired.
Beach delivered a remarkable performance, producing a string of saves to frustrate a Turkish side that dominated possession and spent much of the contest on the front foot. Turkey finished with 72% of the ball, yet Australia looked far more effective when opportunities presented themselves.
The Socceroos remained disciplined, absorbed pressure and struck with ruthless efficiency.
Another of Popovic’s selection decisions paid off when Paul Okon-Engstler, preferred ahead of vice-captain Jackson Irvine, helped create Irankunda’s opener. Connor Metcalfe then sealed the result with an excellent individual goal in the second half.
“Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this…and just happy for a wonderful young group of men,” Popovic said afterwards.
For Australia, this was more than an opening victory. It was a performance that suggested the Socceroos could become one of the tournament’s most dangerous outsiders.