Australia vs TürkiyeFIFA World Cup 2026 · Group stage · Group D

The FIFA 2026 Group D match, Australia vs Türkiye, kicks off at 05:00 [GMT+1] on Sunday, June 14, at the Vancouver Stadium. Australia will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with growing confidence under Tony Popovic with a maiden fixture against Türkiye. Incidentally, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Socceroos were also named in Group D, where they earned six points along with France after two victories [2W, 0D, 1L] before heading into the knockout round. Ahead of Sunday’s clash, Australia have won each of their last four matches in all competitions, averaging 2.5 goals per game while conceding just 0.5. That recent run highlights a side that has become increasingly difficult to break down, with defensive organisation remaining one of their key strengths. Their longer-term numbers are equally encouraging. Across their last 30 matches in all competitions, Australia have won 57% of their games, scoring an average of 1.83 goals and conceding only 0.70 per match. Those figures underline the disciplined approach that has traditionally characterised Australian teams, with strong aerial ability, structured defending and effectiveness from set-piece situations often providing the foundation for positive results. A 4—5—1 formation with Norwich’s Mohamed Touré in attack is expected against Turkey.

Türkiye, meanwhile, will arrive after almost two and a half decades of absence. The last time Turkey took part in the WC was in 2002, where they finished in 3rd place after a 3-2 win over South Korea. Now they appear with one of the strongest recent records among the teams in this group. Guided by former AC Milan and Sevilla manager Vincenzo Montella, they have won eight of their last ten matches and remain unbeaten in their last six. Their broader record is equally impressive, with 19 victories from their last 30 games across all competitions. The Turkish side have averaged 1.9 goals scored and 1.2 conceded during that period, demonstrating a balance between attacking and defensive stability. Their average of 4.73 shots on target per game reflects a team capable of consistently creating chances, while a talented generation of players has helped them become one of the more dangerous emerging sides in international football. With both nations unbeaten in recent weeks, there is little to separate them heading into the opening group match. Australia possess the stronger defensive record, but Türkiye's superior attacking numbers and overall winning rate suggest they may carry a slight edge. A 4—3—3 formation with Madrid’s Arda Güler, Juve’s Kenan Yildiz and Porto’s Deniz Gül may be seen against the Socceroos.

In their opening game of the World Cup, Australia secured a 2-0 victory at Vancouver Stadium over Türkiye. The match saw a 1-0 scoreline at halftime before Australia clinched the win.

The match was goalless until Australia took the lead in the 27th minute through Nestory Irankunda, with an assist by Paul Okon-Engstler.

The next World Cup games for Australia are United States on 19 June and Paraguay on 26 June. Türkiye play Paraguay on 20 June and United States on 26 June.

It took until the 75th minute before Connor Metcalfe increased the lead.