Socceroos Begin World Cup Campaign Against Türkiye in Vancouver
Quick Look
- The Socceroos commence their FIFA World Cup journey today against Türkiye in Vancouver.
- This marks Türkiye's first World Cup appearance since 2002, featuring notable players like Kenan Yildiz and Arda Güler.
- Australia aims to reach the knockout stages for the third time.
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Why It Matters
The Socceroos are beginning their FIFA World Cup campaign today, aiming to qualify for the knockout stages for the third time. Their first opponent is Türkiye, marking Türkiye's first World Cup appearance since 2002.
The Socceroos begin their FIFA World Cup campaign today, as they look to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the third time.
Australia will face Türkiye in their first Group D match this afternoon at BC Place, in the Canadian city of Vancouver.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.
When is kick-off for the Australia vs Türkiye match?
The Socceroos will face Türkiye today at 2pm AEST/1:30pm ACST/12pm AWST.
Who are the Socceroos playing?
Türkiye is Australia's first opponent at this World Cup.
This tournament marks Türkiye's first appearance at the World Cup finals since 2002, although the 22nd-ranked nation in the world is tipped by many to be somewhat of a dark horse.
Star players such as Kenan Yildiz, Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu will ensure the Socceroos' first assignment at the 2026 World Cup is a difficult one.
How to watch the Socceroos vs Türkiye match
The match will be broadcast live on SBS and streamed on SBS On Demand.
ABC Sport will also have special live blog coverage of the Socceroos' clash with Türkiye, while also blogging each and every game of the 2026 World Cup.
Where are the Socceroos playing Türkiye?
The Socceroos' opening match will be played in Vancouver, at the brilliant BC Place.
Vancouver's flagship stadium can hold nearly 55,000 people and boasts a retractable roof, which will be kept shut for all games at this World Cup.
What about the Socceroos' next games?
Australia's second game is against host nation USA on Saturday, June 20. This match, likely one of the biggest the Socceroos have ever played in, will kick off at 5am AEST.
Our third Group D match will be against Paraguay on Friday, June 26, kicking off at 12pm AEST.
How can Australia progress from the group?
If the Socceroos finish first or second in Group D they will progress to the round of 32.
They could also find a passage through to the knockout stages by finishing third because the eight best third-place finishers across the 12 groups will also find a spot in the next round.