Turkey face Australia in World Cup opener after 24-year wait

World Cup opener: Australia await

Sunday is the day. After 24 years without World Cup football, Turkey walks onto the biggest stage against Australia in Group D. This is the opening fixture for both sides, and the Socceroos have done their homework. Australia midfielder Aiden O'Neill says they have checked every detail, right down to the pillows and sheets at the team hotel (1). The message is clear: Australia are not here to make up numbers. But neither is Turkey, a squad that believes it is the more talented side (1). Kickoff is Sunday, June 14. The full schedule has Turkey facing Paraguay and the USA later in the group (5).

The group is there for the taking

Group D: Turkey, Australia, Paraguay, USA. No traditional superpower. No reigning champion. Turkey's path to the knockout stage is real, and the squad knows it. Altay Bayindir has called this his first World Cup and a lifelong dream, the motivation runs deep. The opener against Australia sets the tone. Win it, and momentum is on your side before Paraguay and the USA.

Fan reactions

The buzz among Turkey fans is unmistakable. A Reddit thread declaring "Everyone is Sleeping on Turkiye" has supporters pointing to Arda Guler's recent form at Real Madrid as proof the squad is packed with game-changing talent. Optimism is high, and fans believe this team is being underestimated heading into the tournament. See the discussion.