Turkey are expected to impress at the 2026 World Cup and will be hoping to boost their expectations of a strong tournament by beating Australia in their opening match of Group D. Vincenzo Montella’s side have landed in an advantageous group after making it through the European play-offs to the play-offs.
They are big favourites to beat the Socceroos in Vancouver when they make their comeback on the World Cup stage after a 24-year absence.
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Turkey shocked the entire football world when they stormed to the semi-finals in 2002, before losing to eventual champions Brazil and then winning the bronze final against fellow hosts South Korea.
While ambitions to reach the same stage in North America may be overly optimistic, Turkey’s recent results in the championship give reason to believe that they can shine in what is only their third World Cup final.
Turkey impressed at Euro 2024, reaching the quarter-finals before relinquishing a 2-1 lead to the Netherlands.
Montella: “No excuses”
There has been a lot of talk about the strain that will be placed on the teams during a World Cup played across three countries in the North American summer. But Montella expects his team to stand the race.
About Australia, Montella says:
“They are a team with other qualities. We have to improve our own efforts and play our own game. The World Cup is demanding for everyone. Travel distances are long, and weather conditions can vary significantly. Whoever adapts the fastest will have an advantage. There is no point in making excuses. This is the national team – you have to deliver your best performance.
Australia’s surprise in 2022
Australia were a positive surprise at the last World Cup when they reached the last eight in 2022.
They beat Denmark and Tunisia in the group stage before losing to eventual champions Argentina in the playoffs.
Australia are clear underdogs in a group that also includes co-hosts USA and Paraguay. Few believe that the Socceroos can reach the same stage in the expanded championship with 48 teams this time around.
However, Australia have only once failed to take at least one point in a World Cup final, losing all three games in 2014. Coach Tony Popovic signed a contract extension until the 2027 Asian Cup before this match, suggesting that he is happy with the direction of a team that has nine players under the age of 25 in the squad.
One of them is Jordan Bos. His ability to impress on the left side – both in defence, midfield or as a winger – has many pointing to the Feyenoord player as a potential breakthrough player in the championship.
Bos: “It turns me on a bit”
Bos admits that he is motivated by how little faith there has been in the Socceroos before the championship.
“We’re very hard to beat,” Bos told ESPN. “Everyone has a good connection; I think we work well together. We are almost always labeled as underdogs every time we go to a championship. It’s nice to show people that they’re wrong.
“I think the guys are ready for it. Everyone just wants to get out on the pitch and show what we can do. We don’t have players who play in the biggest clubs in the top leagues, but we work well together.
“All I’ve seen is that the Americans say what they say. I’ve seen it, and it’s turned me on a little. I just want to get out on the pitch and win.
Team updates ahead of Australia – Turkey
Australia have no injury problems before the opening match.
Turkey, on the other hand, will probably have to do without Juventus star Kenan Yıldız due to a calf injury.
Predicted line-ups
Australia: Ryan; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Herrington, Bos; Metcalfe, Irvine, O’Neill, Leckie; Toure
Turkey: Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Elmali; Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek; Güler, Kökçü, Yılmaz; Yellow
Where to watch Australia – Turkey: TV & Streaming
Australia – Turkey kicks off at 06:00 Norwegian time on Sunday morning. The match will be broadcast on ITV1 in England and STV in Scotland. It will also be available via ITVX and STV Player.
Key figures before Australia – Turkey
- This will be the first competitive match between Australia and Turkey.
- The two teams met in a couple of friendlies in 2004 – Turkey won both.
- Turkey are unbeaten in their last eight games, after a 6-0 loss to Spain in September last year.
- Vincenzo Montella’s side have conceded just one goal in their last four games.
- Australia have lost just one of their four matches in 2026.
- However, Australia have not scored more than one goal in seven of their last eight games – the only exception being the 5-1 win over Curaçao.
- Australia have not lost a competitive match since a 1-0 loss at home to Bahrain in qualifying in September 2024.
Australia vs Turkey Betting
Australia tends to make life difficult for better opponents in the World Cup. Turkey should therefore not expect to get everything exactly as it wants. But their quality will probably show in the end.
Tips: Australia 0–2 Turkey
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