The Socceroos have kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a stunning 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver, thanks to a brilliant goal from Nestory Irankunda and a late strike from Mohamed Touré.
Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute, finishing a swift end-to-end attack before sprinting to the corner flag to shadowbox in a celebration reminiscent of Socceroos legend Tim Cahill. The 19-year-old admitted he had to remind Touré to relax after his own goal to allow the celebration to unfold.
Irankunda's Tribute to Cahill
“It was a good goal in my opinion,” Irankunda said after the match. “I had to dedicate the celebration to Tim Cahill.” The young winger’s tribute drew cheers from the Australian fans, who relived memories of Cahill’s iconic boxing celebration at past World Cups.
Touré sealed the win with a composed finish in the second half, ensuring Australia’s youngsters stole the spotlight in the tournament opener. The victory marks a significant statement for the Socceroos, who are looking to build on their recent progress on the global stage.
Match Highlights
- Irankunda’s 27th-minute opener: a clinical finish after a rapid counter-attack.
- Touré’s late goal: secured the upset over a strong Turkish side.
- Defensive resilience: Australia held firm against Turkey’s second-half pressure.
The win puts Australia in a strong position in Group D, with upcoming matches against other group rivals. Fans will be eager to see if the young squad can maintain this form throughout the tournament.
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