Australian Irankunda: 'Turkey's pre-match comments spurred us on'

The Turkish National Soccer Team faced off against Australia in its first match of Group D at the 2026 World Cup. In the match played at BC Place in Vancouver, the Turkish team suffered a 2-0 defeat, marking a poor start to the tournament.

Australia’s goals came from Nestory Irankunda in the 27th minute and Connor Metcalfe in the 75th minute. Meanwhile, 20-year-old right winger Nestory Irankunda, who scored the first goal in the 27th minute, became the youngest player in Australian history to score a goal in the World Cup. Additionally, Irankunda, who started in the starting lineup and played for 61 minutes, was named “Man of the Match” for his performance.

In a statement following the match, the 20-year-old footballer noted that they had read and seen some of the Turkish players’ comments in the media before the game, saying, “There was an attitude suggesting we were an ‘easy target.’ That really fired us up. We discussed those comments among ourselves in the locker room, and when we took the field, we played with extra motivation to show them who we really are."

Noting that they weren’t considered favorites on paper, the young soccer player said, “Nevertheless, we knew we’d give it our all on the field. Their arrogant and condescending attitude served as a driving force for us. Football isn’t won by talking—it’s won on the field. And that’s exactly what we did today.”