Australia meet Türkiye in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D opener at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday 13 June 2026. The match pairs the Socceroos against a Turkish side returning to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship and the first tournament co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed finishers, progress to a new Round of 32 knockout stage.
When is Australia vs Türkiye?
Kick-off is at 21:00 local time (PDT) on Saturday 13 June 2026. That is 00:00 ET on Sunday 14 June on the US East Coast, 05:00 BST on Sunday in the United Kingdom, and 07:00 local time in Istanbul.
Where is Australia vs Türkiye being played?
The match is at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. The stadium has a retractable roof and a capacity of around 54,500 for the tournament. It is one of two Canadian venues alongside BMO Field in Toronto and will host seven matches including group stage and knockout fixtures.
Key Contenders
Australia qualified through the AFC route under head coach Tony Popovic, who took over from Graham Arnold in 2024. The Socceroos are at a sixth consecutive World Cup, with captain and Celtic goalkeeper Mathew Ryan still a key figure alongside Juventus midfielder Keanu Baccus, Hearts forward Kusini Yengi and Feyenoord attacker Jordan Bos. Australia reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022 and will look to replicate that run.
Türkiye return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they reached the semi-finals in Japan and South Korea. Head coach Vincenzo Montella leads a talented generation featuring Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler, Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and Galatasaray striker Baris Alper Yilmaz. Türkiye are among the more highly rated dark horses in the tournament.
How to Watch Australia vs Türkiye
In the United Kingdom, the match is free-to-air on BBC or ITV with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In Australia, SBS holds exclusive free-to-air rights with additional coverage on Optus Sport. In the United States, FOX and Telemundo carry the broadcast. Turkish viewers can watch on TRT. FIFA+ provides streaming in selected markets globally.
History and Records
Australia and Türkiye have met four times, most recently in a 2023 friendly that Türkiye won 2-1. They have never played at a World Cup. Australia’s best World Cup finish is the Round of 16, achieved in 2006 and 2022. Türkiye finished third at the 2002 World Cup, their best ever result.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are sold via FIFA’s official ticketing portal at fifa.com/tickets. BC Place matches have been among the most in-demand in the Canadian portion of the tournament. Hospitality packages remain available through On Location.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Australia vs Türkiye kick off?
At 21:00 PDT on Saturday 13 June 2026, which is 05:00 BST on Sunday 14 June.
Where is Australia vs Türkiye being held?
At BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
How can I watch Australia vs Türkiye?
BBC or ITV in the UK, SBS and Optus Sport in Australia, FOX and Telemundo in the US, TRT in Türkiye.
When did Türkiye last play at a World Cup?
Türkiye’s last World Cup appearance was 2002, when they finished third.