Australia face Turkey in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group D.
Australia come into this tournament seeking to get out of the Group Stage at consecutive World Cups for the first time, whilst Turkey are making just their third appearance at these finals – having last appeared in 2002 when they finished third.
Team News
Mohamed Toure is set to be available for Australia despite having suffered from illness in recent days.
Turkey could be without Kenan Yildiz due to a calf injury, which has forced him to train away from the squad.
Eren Elmali is also a doubt due to a knock but is likely to be handed a late fitness test unlike Yildiz who isn’t expected to be risked. .
When is Kick-Off?
Australia face Turkey at BC Palace, Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday 13 June at 9pm PDT (5am BST, Sunday 14 June), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Australia’s first World Cup meeting against Turkey.
- Turkey are yet to lose to Australia in all competitions (W2), having won two previous friendlies by 3-1 and 1-0 results in May 2004.
- Australia have lost one of four matches in 2026 (W2, D1, L1).
- Baris Yilmaz has scored in both of Turkey’s last two matches (W2).
Prediction
With a solid squad and decent form coming into the tournament, Australia have to fancy their chances at progressing from this wide-open group and a good performance here is going to be important, as I think that they can win this if can continue their defensive resilience and clinical play.
Turkey though are an aggressive counter-attacking team out of possession and unpredictable in their attacking play who should be looking at a knockout spot as their minimum aim, but they ideally need a solid start as this group is too close to call and any early slip could be costly.
I however do think that both teams might just have enough to cancel each other out otherwise I can see a Turkey win coming.
Prediction: Australia 1-1 Turkey
Result: Australia 2-0 Turkey
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