Australia opened their 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup campaign against Türkiye on Sunday afternoon, with Melbourne Victory’s fingerprints evident in the Socceroos’ 2-0 triumph.
The national team, led by former Victory boss Tony Popovic, got their tournament off to the dream start in Vancouver, Canada.
Threatening to score on the counter-attack, the Socceroos would take the lead through the energetic Nestory Irankunda in the 27th minute with a composed finish to send the nation into raptures.
While Türkiye would control the majority of possession, Popovic’s side remained resolute and kept their opponents at bay.
In the 61st minute, Victory star Nishan Velupillay would be introduced as Australia’s first substitution of the game, making his World Cup debut.
Former Victory defender Jason Geria would be the next to enter the field in the 74th minute, spurring on the Socceroos to score their second just a moment later.
Bursting through on goal down the right flank, Connor Metcalfe picked out the bottom corner from distance to seal the three points for the Socceroos.
Speaking on the win post-game, Popovic was full of praise for his side’s display on the world’s biggest stage.
“Tonight’s a special night for all Socceroos fans here, and I’m sure back home watching in the afternoon is quite special and unique.
“I’m glad that we’ve made them very happy tonight, because they saw a team fighting throughout the whole game, a young team with a lack of experience, but a lot of quality, and we matched it with a very good side.”
Australia are next in action versus co-hosts the U.S. at Seattle Stadium on Saturday, June 20, kick-off 5am AEST.
