World Cup score today: Australia defeated Turkey despite fewer attacks, securing their first 3 points at the 2026 World Cup.
On 14 June 2026 GMT+7, in the 2026 World Cup group stage matchday 1 of Group D, Australia, ranked 27th in the world, faced Turkey, ranked 23rd. Australia competed in their 7th World Cup, while Turkey participated for the 4th time.
In the first half, at the 27th minute, Australia took the lead 1-0. A long ball over the defense found Nestory Irankunda, who controlled it and dribbled past the Turkish defenders into the penalty area to shoot, the ball squeezing past the near post. This was the only goal in the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, at the 57th minute, Turkey nearly equalized from a free kick just outside the penalty area. Arda Güler, the Real Madrid star, curled the ball around the wall, but Australia's goalkeeper Patrick Beach dived to save it before the ball could bend into the post.
At the 75th minute, Australia sealed the game 2-0 after Turkey lost possession in midfield. Conner Metcalfe drove forward into the edge of the box and struck a low left-footed shot that slipped past the block and beat Ugurcan Çakir, hitting the post precisely.
The match ended with Australia, who had only 30% ball possession, defeating Turkey to claim their first 3 points. They stand second in Group D, behind co-hosts the United States, who thrashed Paraguay 4-1.