Socceroos stun Türkiye 2-0 as Popovic's bold selections pay off
Australia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Türkiye in Vancouver, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe and a standout goalkeeping display from Patrick Beach. Coach Tony Popovic's decision to drop captain Mat Ryan and vice-captain Jackson Irvine proved decisive, while Irankunda's personal story and celebration drew attention to refugee players at the tournament.