An ex-Bayern player also scores
Bitter damper: Türkiye makes a mistake at the start of the World Cup
Updated June 14, 2026 – 8:03 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Turkey qualified for a World Cup for the first time since 2002. However, Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s team failed to return to the stage.
Turkey botched its World Cup comeback after 24 years and suffered a defeat against Australia. The ambitious selection led by captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu lost to the efficient Australians 0-2 (0-1) and is already under pressure in the fight for the knockout phase. Even the striking young star Arda Güler could not prevent Turkey’s third opening defeat in their third World Cup participation (after 1954 and 2002).
Former Bayern professional Nestory Irankunda (27th minute) and Connor Metcalfe from Bundesliga relegated FC St. Pauli (75th) scored in Vancouver, Canada, to win for the defensive-minded Australians, who are in second place in Group D behind the euphoric main hosts USA (4-1 against Paraguay).
That’s how the game went
The Turks last qualified for a World Cup in 2002. For the generation around Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the XXL tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico is the first World Cup participation. Despite the arduous qualification via the playoffs, Turkey went into the duel with Australia as favorites and had by far more possession of the ball – but couldn’t do much with it. With nine men in their own penalty area, Australia defended their lead, but Turkey was unable to get through.
The goal by Irankunda, who is now under contract with FC Watford, came on a counterattack immediately after Güler had the first real chance for Turkey. With the second goal, the Australians also took advantage of a lack of attention on the part of the pressing Turks. Metcalfe scored from outside the penalty area with a powerful shot into the near corner – after a season without a goal for St. Pauli.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who surprisingly played for captain Matthew Ryan and came to his third international match, played a large part in Australia’s success. In the 57th minute he parried a dangerous free kick from Güler, and in the 86th he saved one from Calhanoglu. Shortly before, St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine had come into the game and helped defend the lead.