Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored as Australia spoiled Turkey&rsquo;s return to the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-vinicius-junior-turns-out-to-be-saviour-for-brazil-in-clash-against-morocco-23635184" rel="nofollow">World Cup</a> 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.&nbsp;
Irankunda broke through for the Socceroos in the 27th minute with a low shot while pursued by three defenders. It came less than a minute after the first-half hydration break.
Irankunda celebrated by punching the corner flag in a tribute to Australian football legend Tim Cahill.
<h2>Youngest Aus goal-scorer</h2>
The 20-year-old who plays for Watford is the Socceroos&rsquo;s youngest-ever goal scorer at a World Cup.
Metcalfe then capitalised on Ismail Yuksek&rsquo;s turnover in the 75th minute to double the Australia&rsquo;s lead.&nbsp;
Turkey maintained 72 per cent of possession during the match and outshot the Socceroos 30-9, but couldn&rsquo;t manage to score.
Irankunda said the team took issue with comments Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu made a day before the match, proclaiming that his side had &ldquo;more qualities and a more talented team.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Yeah, it was extra motivation. Obviously we don&rsquo;t like people to talk bad about us because we&rsquo;re a great team. People underestimate us,&rdquo; said Irankunda.
<h2>Qatar hold Switzerland 1-1</h2>
Earlier, Boualem Khoukhi scored an equalising goal via a header in the fourth minute of stoppage time, as Qatar shared the spoils with Switzerland in a 1-1 draw in Group B.
Striker Breel Embolo scored for Switzerland from the penalty spot in the first half just over a week after being cleared to enter the US following a visa delay, but the European failed to capitalise on multiple other scoring chances in the game.
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Nestory Irankunda, 20, becomes Australia’s youngest World Cup scorer in shock 2-0 win over Turkey; says opposition captain Hakan Calhanoglu’s pre-match comments

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Nestory Irankunda, 20, becomes Australia’s youngest World Cup scorer in shock 2-0 win over Turkey; says opposition captain Hakan Calhanoglu’s pre-match comments demeaning Aussie team served as extra motivation

FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia secure 2-0 victory over Turkey in campaign opener

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