Line ups, stats and previews as the Socceroos aim to upset Group D tension
Turkey are determined to make a splash at the 2026 World Cup and will hope to raise expectations for a strong performance at the tournament by beating Australia in their Group D opener.
Vincenzo Montella’s side are in good form after exiting the UEFA play-offs to reach the final.
They are the favorites to see the Socceroos in Vancouver as they return to the World Cup stage after 24 years.
Turkey reached the semi-finals in 2002 before losing to eventual champions Brazil, then won the third play-off against South Korea.
While ambitions to reach the same stage in North America may be sweet, Turkey’s recent success in tournament football is fueling speculation that they could make it to their third appearance at the World Cup finals.
Turkey caught the eye at Euro 2024, where they reached the quarter-finals before conceding a single goal in a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands.
Although much has been made of the requirements that must be included in teams during the World Cup held in three countries in the North American summer, Montella expects his team to rise.
Speaking to Australia, Montella said: “They are a team with different qualities.
“The distances are long and the weather conditions can be very different. Anyone who adapts quickly will benefit. There is no need to make excuses. This is a national team, you have to bring your best work.”
Australia was a surprise package in the last World Cup as they reached the last 16 in 2022.
They beat Denmark and Tunisia in their group before losing to champions Argentina away.
Clear underdogs in a group that includes holders United States and Paraguay, few will give the Socceroos much hope of reaching the same stage of the expanded 48-team tournament this time around.
However, Australia have only failed to get a point in the World Cup finals once, losing all three games in 2014. Coach Tony Popovic signed a contract extension until the 2027 Asian Cup ahead of the match, indicating satisfaction with the direction of the squad that includes nine players under the age of 25 in the squad.
One of those is Jordan Bos, whose ability to impress playing on the left side of the defense, in midfield or as a winger has many identifying the Feyenoord man as a potential star in the tournament.
And Bos admitted that he is motivated by the way the Socceroos doubted that they would enter the finals.
“It’s very hard to hit,” Bos told ESPN. “Everyone has good communication, I think we work well together. We’re underdogs in almost every tournament we go to; it’s good to prove people wrong.
“I think the boys are ready for that, and everyone wants to go out and show everyone what we can do. We don’t have players who play in the big clubs in the top leagues, but we work well together.
“All I’ve seen is Americans say whatever they say. I’ve seen that, and it makes me a little angry. I want to go out there and get a win.”
Australia v Turkey team news
Australia have no injury problems when they open their first match.
On the other hand, Turkey may be without Juventus star Kenan Yildiz due to a calf problem.
Australia v Turkey predicted lineup
Australia: Ryan; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Herrington, Bos; Metcalfe, Irvine, O’Neill, Leckie; Tour
Garlic: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Guler, Kokcu, Yilmaz; Gul
Where to watch Australia v Turkey: TV and streaming online
Australia v Turkey kicks off at 5:00am UK time on Sunday. It will be broadcast on ITV1 in England and STV in Scotland. The game will also be available on ITVX and STV Player.
Australia v Turkey stats
- This will be the first competitive meeting between Australia and Turkey.
- The two teams met in friendly matches in 2004, Turkey won both.
- Turkey are unbeaten in their last eight games since their 6-0 defeat by Spain in September last year.
- Vincenzo Montella’s have conceded just once in their last four games.
- Australia have lost only one of four matches in 2026.
- However, the Socceroos have failed to score more than one goal in seven of their last eight matches, the only one being a 5-1 defeat to Curacao.
- Australia have not lost a competitive match since a 1-0 defeat at home to Bahrain in a qualifier in September 2024.
Australia v Turkey prediction
Australia has a history of making life difficult for top-quality opponents at the World Cup. Therefore, Turkey should not expect to have everything its own way. However, their quality will probably be seen in the end.
Prediction: Australia 0-2 Turkey
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