World Cup: Calhanoglu in action for Turkey

It was a disappointing start to the World Cup for Hakan Calhanoglu and Turkey, who lost 2-0 to Australia at BC Place in Vancouver. The Socceroos secured all three points thanks to goals from Irankunda in the 27th minute and Metcalfe in the 75th, leaving Vincenzo Montella’s side frustrated after a night in which they struggled to find a way through Australia’s well-organised defense.

Making his World Cup debut, Calhanoglu became the second Inter player to feature at this year's tournament. The midfielder was also making his first start in nearly two months, having last been named in the starting XI in Inter’s Coppa Italia semifinal against Como on April 21. He played the full 90 minutes, trying to pull the strings in midfield and spark Turkey’s attack, but Australia defended stubbornly to preserve its lead.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Okon-Engstler threaded a pass to Irankunda. The Watford forward burst clear and beat Cakir. Turkey responded by taking control of possession and pinning Australia back in its own half, but despite creating pressure and firing in several attempts on goal, could not find an equaliser. Instead, the Socceroos doubled their advantage in the 75th minute, as Metcalfe drilled a low left-footed effort into the corner from outside the area to put the result beyond doubt.

Turkey will return to action on Saturday 20 June, at 05:00 CEST, against Paraguay in a match that could already prove crucial in the race for qualification from Group D. The United States and Australia currently top the group with three points each.

TURKEY'S UPCOMING FIXTURES

• Turkey vs Paraguay, Saturday 20/06, 05:00 | World Cup 2026 Group Stage | Santa Clara

• Turkey vs USA, Friday 26/06, 04:00 | World Cup 2026 Group Stage | Inglewood

NETHERLANDS 2-2 JAPAN

The Netherlands began their World Cup campaign with a draw, with Denzel Dumfries playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 tie against Japan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. All four goals came after the break, with the Oranje taking the lead twice only to be pegged back on both occasions by the Samurai Blue. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a powerful header, but Japan levelled six minutes later through a low strike from Nakamura. Ronald Koeman’s side restored their advantage in the 64th minute thanks to an excellent finish from Summerville, only to be denied victory in the closing stages. In the 88th minute, Kamada rose ahead of his marker to meet Ogawa’s corner and head home the equaliser, sealing a 2-2 draw.

UPCOMING NETHERLANDS FIXTURES

• Netherlands vs Sweden, Saturday 20 June, 19:00 CEST | World Cup 2026 – Group Stage | Houston

• Tunisia vs Netherlands, Friday 26 June, 01:00 CEST | World Cup 2026 – Group Stage | Kansas City