Australia open World Cup campaign with clinical victory against Turkey
Australia provided the surprise result so far of the 2026 World Cup as they began their Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver.
Tony Popovic Sport News
Australia spoils Turkiye’s return to the World Cup with a 2-0 victory
VANCOUVER: Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored and Australia spoiled Turkiye’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves for the Socceroos in their group opener as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looked on. Australia was playing in its sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall. Turkiye reached the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup but then missed five straight tournaments before qualifying this year by beating Kosovo in a playoff. Irankunda broke through for the Socceroos in the 27th minute with a low shot while pursued by three defenders.
Guler to lead Turkey on World Cup return against Australia
VANCOUVER, June 13 : Arda Guler will take on the role of playmaker for Turkey as they return to the World Cup after a 24-year absence when they face Australia in their opening Group D match at BC Place on Saturday.
Australia look to defy expectations against Turkey in their World Cup opener
VANCOUVER, June 12 : Australia are confident they can prove people wrong when they take on Turkey in their World Cup opener in Vancouver on Saturday, coach Tony Popovic said.
Former refugees look to ignite Australia’s World Cup
CALIFORNIA: Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players will show the changing face of Australian soccer at the World Cup and look to answer the nation’s call for goals. Coach Tony Popovic is putting his faith in attackers Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two young talents eyeing their first World Cup minutes in the Socceroos’ opening match against Turkiye on Saturday. At 30, Awer Mabil is the duo’s “older brother” and will be on hand to support them as a mentor at his second World Cup. The three have a shared experience as the children of asylum seekers who rose through the footballing ranks in Australia’s sleepy state capital of Adelaide. Already feted among Australia’s 500,000-strong African diaspora, their chemistry may be key to Australia’s hopes of advancing through the group phase and winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time. “It’s the country that gave us the opportunity to live,” said 22-year-old Toure. “So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level.” Toure, who plays in England’s second tier, was born in a refugee camp in Guinea after his parents fled Liberia. Despite only having 10 caps, he has made himself Popovic’s first-choice striker after a flying start with Norwich City where he scored nine goals in 11 appearances.
Australia coach Popovic extends contract until 2027 Asian Cup
June 12 : Australia coach Tony Popovic has signed a contract extension that will take him through to the Asian Cup in 2027, Football Australia said on Friday ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup opener against Turkey.
Former refugees look to ignite Australia's World Cup
SANTA CLARA, California, June 11 : Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players will show the changing face of Australian soccer at the World Cup and look to answer the nation's call for goals.
Socceroos Herrington and Geria out to make most of first World Cup call-ups
OAKLAND, California, June 3 : Lucas Herrington and Jason Geria were born 14 years apart and have taken very different journeys to the World Cup, but both are determined to put their best foot forward after making the cut for the Australia squad.