FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia’s Popovic puts faith in youth to upset Turkey

Australian coach Tony Popovic’s gamble on youth paid off in his side’s surprise 2-0 win over Turkey in their World Cup opener on Saturday, as Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring and goalkeeper Patrick Beach kept a superb clean sheet.

The Socceroos boss surprised many by playing Beach in place of regular captain Mat Ryan, also leaving veteran midfielder Jackson Irvine on the bench.

Popovic’s faith in Beach was rewarded with a confident performance from the Melbourne City goalkeeper, who produced a series of saves on the rare occasions when Turkey penetrated Australia’s defensive wall.

Irvine’s replacement Paul Okon-Engstler also impressed playing in Iran, giving Australia a lead which they defended resolutely before Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead 15 minutes from time.

However, Popovic rejected any suggestion that the choice of Beach or Okon-Engstler was a left-field choice.

“It may be a shock to a lot of people, but not a shock within our playing group or staff because we all work together every day and we can see the quality of these young boys,” he told reporters.

«It’s a team that has been selected to perform well. Of course you never know the result; we are at a World Cup, but for me it’s about the performance – it’s not the result… Regardless of the result, it was the right decision.»

Popovic, who this week signed a contract extension until the Asian Cup ‌in 2027, also said the best was yet to come from his young attackers.

“Their ceiling, they are nowhere near it, because they are a young group with no World Cup experience, and very little experience playing for their national team,” he said.

READ: Irankunda and Metcalfe on target as Australia stun Turkiye in 2026 FIFA World Cup; AUS vs TUR Player Ratings

«Actually, their ceiling should come in four or eight years, for most of these ‘boys.’

Popovic then turned his attention back to Australia’s next match against co-host United States, a match in which a win could secure top spot in Group D.

He said he did not care whether the Socceroos’ victory over Turkey would earn more respect from opponents.

“I don’t know, and I’m not worried about it,” he added.

“Maybe the perception changes a little because we defeated Turkey, a great nation, but we still have a lot of work to do and we have to continue with the American game.”

Published on June 14, 2026