Prediction: Australia vs Turkey

Two camps who will get their respective World Cup adventures underway in the early hours of Sunday, Australia will meet Turkey in Vancouver.

With the 2026 World Cup now officially underway and in full swing, there are a host of eye-catching betting markets available this summer.

Verdict: Turkey win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: BetUS

Australia

Starting with Australia, while the Socceroos might have embarked on a sensational World Cup qualifying adventure last year as they cruised their way to North America, Tony Popovic’s side have failed to find any real momentum over the past fortnight. Getting the final stint of their pre-tournament preparations underway with a 1-0 loss against fellow finalists Mexico, the former Melbourne Victory boss has also seen his squad muster just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Signing off 2025 with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Colombia, Australia look set for what will be a stern examination when they get their World Cup adventure underway in the early hours of Sunday. Losing their two historic showdowns against Turkey by an aggregate score of 4-1, the Socceroos find themselves pencilled in as a real underdog contender this weekend.

Australia Team News

Despite enduring an injury nightmare with Leicester this season and watching on as the Foxes shockingly suffered consecutive relegations, Harry Souttar will start at the heart of Australia’s defence here.

Only switching his international allegiance from Italy a matter of weeks ago and making his Australian debut during the Socceroos’ 1-1 stalemate against Switzerland last weekend, Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato could play a leading role. Playing his domestic football with Dutch giants PSV, Jordan Los will be handed a full recall.

Turkey

As for Turkey, signing off their pre-tournament preparations with an impressive 2-1 victory against Venezuela, Vincenzo Montella’s men have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across the globe. Cruising their way to North America and hardly having to get out of third gear during their qualifying adventure last year, the Crescent Stars have also claimed some notable scalps. Opening 2026 with consecutive 1-0 victories against Romania and Kosovo, Turkey have won their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-1. Likewise, widely regarded as a standout contender in Group D this summer, Montella’s high-flying squad are unbeaten in their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw). It should also be noted, the Crescent Stars have shipped just a sole strike in almost 400 minutes of action.

Turkey Team News

Making a timely return from an injury setback last month, Inter Milan ace Hakan Calhanoglu will lead Turkey out in the early hours of Sunday and earn a 107th international cap in Vancouver.

Notching back-to-back friendly strikes over the past fortnight and now registering four direct goal contributions in his previous five appearances for club and country (three goals, one draw), Galatasaray’s Baris Yilmaz should play a leading role in attack. Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler will pull the strings in the final third.

Australia vs Turkey Key Factors to Consider

Turkey have won each of their two historic showdowns against Australia by an aggregate score of 4-1.
Montella’s men have won their previous four appearances across all formats by an aggregate score of 8-1.
The Crescent Stars are unbeaten in their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw).
Australia have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all fronts.
Along with notching consecutive friendly strikes over the past fortnight, Baris Yilmaz has registered four direct goal contributions in his previous five appearances for club and country (three goals, one draw).

Conclusion

Opening their World Cup adventure in the midst of what has become quite the purple patch, Turkey will be confident of laying down a public statement in Vancouver. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 victory against Venezuela last weekend, the Crescent Stars have rightfully received a string of praise. With the mood in their camp at a real high and looking to clinch top spot in Group D, we are backing Turkey to make a bright start to proceedings.