Fans celebrate an Australia goal during a broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Australia and Turkey on a giant screen during a public viewing event at Federation Square in Melbourne on June 14, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored as Australia beat Türkiye 2-0 in FIFA World Cup Group D on Saturday.

Making its first appearance at a World Cup since finishing third in 2002, Türkiye had 30 shots to the Socceroos' nine, but was unable to find the net as Australia defended resolutely.

Australia went ahead in the 27th minute when Paul Okon-Engstler's long pass allowed Irankunda to run onto the ball, and the 20-year-old clinically fired into the bottom corner.

Metcalfe doubled the lead in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a counterattack to shoot home from just outside the box.

After the win, Australia head coach Tony Popovic singled out goalkeeper Patrick Beach, 22, who was making his competitive debut for the Socceroos. "It's something that we've always seen, and I've got a lot of belief in the young man. He stood up today, so very happy for him," Popovic said.

Elsewhere in Group D action, the United States cruised past Paraguay 4-1 in Friday's opener.