Socceroos' young guns Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe captured the hearts of Australians at home and at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with their 2-nil win against Türkiye. In their first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match, Tony Popovic proved his selections - showing that the next generation is one that could define Australia. Join your host Haylena Krishnamoorthy for this episode of World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast, as she breaks down the match. Will Australia be able to win again next weekend against host nation USA? And will Brazil's Vinicius Jr keep their team's unbeaten streak alive?
"It's epic, unreal. A dream come true."
That's Nestory Irankunda speaking to SBS after Australia's 2-nil win in their first World Cup match against Türkiye.
Tony Popovic's 26-man squad comes from at least 15 cultural and ethnic backgrounds..
..including three players who came to Australia as refugees from Africa.
The 20-year-old - the nation's youngest ever world cup goal scorer - kicked an opening counterattacking goal at the 27th minute, in a Group D clash at Canada's Vancouver B-C Place stadium.
"We worked extra hard, we fought till the end and it's just an exciting moment, you've got to thank the staff, got to thank the nation, they all have the belief in me to do so well and you know I feel like today, getting that goal it's amazing."
Both Irankunda, and 22-year-old Mohamed Toure are among coach Tony Popovic's brightest young talents.
Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania to Burundian parents.
And Socceroos star Mo Toure was born in a refugee camp in Guinea, before coming to Australia when he was seven-months old.
They both came through Adelaide United and now play in the English Football League Championship.
They join teammate Awer Mabil, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents..each members of the UNHCR's "Gamechanging Team" - a symbolic line-up of players with refugee or displacement backgrounds.
And Connor Metcalfe scored the second goal just fifteen mins before end time.
"Incredible, when I saw that ball go in the feeling that went through my body, I can't explain it, I mean, for it to be my first World Cup, my first game, it couldn't have gone any better."
Speaking at halftime to SBS media at the grounds, Socceroos assistant coach Paul Okon said Türkiye will come out firing.
"But we're a fit side, we can match anyone. If we need to suffer, we'll do it. We need to continue to be good with the ball."
Türkiye's Captain Hakan Calhanoglu had earlier said his side was more talented than Australia, predicting they would dominate the game.
Hundreds of Socceroos' fans in green and gold travelled to watch Australia play at the Vancouver stadium.
But there watching plenty at watch parties across Australia, too.
Earlier this week, I spoke with a few of them at the Matildas-Mexico friendly to get their predictions about the Socceroos first game.
"I'm not really a Socceroos expert, (but) if they perform as well as the Matildas have been in the last few years I think we'll be doing pretty decently."
"Looks like a really good squad, I'm quite excited, I think we've got some strong players, I think there's a couple of countries in our group that we can do well against. I think there's some young faces on the squad, that's cool it's always nice to see."
"I have very high hopes for Socceroos, for the World Cup, fingers crossed that Australia and Paraguay will get through and kick out the USA in their own home game. I have faith that we're going to be able to do that. I'm really excited to see what our new blood can bring to the game."
Commending the Socceroos' young squad.
"I think it's necessary, I mean the Socceroos have always been fairly decent. But I think this is going to really mix things up, I think it means as well that our group which we have a good chance against is not going to know exactly what they are going to be up against which I think is going to work in our favour."
Coach Tony Popovic - who became the first Australian to play and coach at a World Cup - says he's very proud with Australia's 2-1 win against Türkiye.
He spoke to SBS after the match, saying he's happy the team put a smile on the faces of fans who travelled to watch the game in Canada's stadium.
"Proud of the staff for the work they put in and some good decisions there sideline. I tried to guide them, tried to support the players and they were outstanding."
The coach made the surprise move to leave out Mat Ryan and Jackson Irvine for the match, preferring Patrick Beach in goal and Paul Okon-Engstler in midfield.
He explained his decision.
"It's something that, you know we've always seen (his quality) and I've got a lot of belief in the young man. He stood up today so very happy for him."
Beach says he's over the moon and buzzing with the result.
He shared the moment he found out he was starting.
"I found out a few days ago and my immediate reaction was excitement and joy and understanding of what my role was to be played, and having the backing from the boss and the coaching staff and the boys as well instills me with a lot of confidence to go out there and play my game.
Australia will next face USA on June 20 at 0500am AEST.
And to other teams; earlier today, Scotland won against Haiti.
It's the Scottish team's first appearance since 1998.
Meanwhile Haiti's last World Cup qualifier was in 1974.
And Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr says his team must improve and adapt after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in US state of New Jersey.
Vinicius produced a superb equaliser after Ismael Saibari’s opener but said Brazil struggled early on.
Highlighting a tactical switch by coach Carlo Ancelotti as key to the improvement, warning of tougher situations that lie ahead.
Portuguese to English VO “I think conceding that goal really made things difficult for us, as I mentioned earlier, in terms of our style of play. We adapted, once Rafa switched sides, we had more space and were able to play better. It was a very tough game. Morocco is an excellent team, and I knew it was going to be a tough match because it was our debut, and because we were facing Morocco, a team that has been playing together for a long time, reached the Africa Cup of Nations final, and is a force to be reckoned with. We need to improve to win our next matches.”
Qatar in today's first game drew 1-all with Switzerland in their World Cup 2026 opening game.
And tomorrow, I'll bring you updates on Germany and the smallest team in history to play in the World Cup, Curaçao.
We'll also have the latest on Netherlands and Japan's game, as well as Ivory Coast against Ecuador, and Sweden and Tunisia.
Stay tuned for the latest at World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast.
For latest World Cup news, check out SBS News Headlines, wherever you get your podcasts.
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