Popovic claims Australia edge as Türkiye's World Cup opener looms

Popovic talks big before the opener

Australia coach Tony Popovic says his team knows exactly where they hold an edge over Türkiye ahead of Saturday's World Cup Group D clash. Speaking ahead of the match, Popovic acknowledged Türkiye are a strong opponent but made it clear he believes Australia can win (1). It is the kind of statement that sets the tone: the Socceroos are not coming to make up the numbers.

USA send a message in the group

USA opened Group D with a thumping 4–1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles on Saturday. Pulisic, Balogun and the rest of the American attack ran riot, putting them straight to the top of the group (2). Türkiye have not kicked a ball yet and already the group table has a benchmark. The opener against Australia just got bigger.

Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek and Kabak fire back

Three of Türkiye's key figures addressed the squad ahead of the Australia match, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek and Ozan Kabak making pointed remarks. The message: Australia do not know Türkiye (6). The camp sounds sharp, clear-eyed and ready.

Mourinho makes his Arda Güler call

Jose Mourinho has made a decision on Arda Güler's role at Real Madrid, amid reports of a £100m bid from Chelsea for the Turkish playmaker (4). The new Madrid manager's stance on Güler will shape a massive summer for one of Türkiye's brightest talents.

Beşiktaş move for Trossard

Beşiktaş president has made official contact with Arsenal over a move for Leandro Trossard (3). The Süper Lig side are pushing to land a genuine Premier League name. Trossard at Beşiktaş would be one of the bigger signings in recent Turkish football history.

Fatih Kaya heads home

SV Wehen Wiesbaden's top scorer Fatih Kaya is on his way to the Turkish Süper Lig (5). Kaya has been prolific in the German third division and will now test himself in the Turkish top flight.