Socceroos World Cup group locked in: Last opponent revealed for Group D

Turkiye qualifies for Group D, will face Australia in opening match in Vancouver.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Socceroos' 2026 World Cup group has been finalized after Turkiye secured the final spot in Group D with a 1-0 win over Kosovo in the European playoffs. Turkiye will now join the USA, Australia, and Paraguay in the group stage, marking the first time the nation has qualified for the World Cup in 24 years. The Socceroos will face Turkiye in their opening match on June 14 in Vancouver.

Why it matters

The Socceroos' World Cup group is now set, allowing the team to fully prepare for their matches against the USA, Paraguay, and Turkiye. Turkiye's return to the World Cup after a long absence adds an intriguing new opponent for the Socceroos to face.

The details

Kerem Akturkoglu's goal secured Turkiye's 1-0 win over Kosovo, who were bidding to reach their first World Cup. Turkiye will now make their first World Cup appearance in 24 years, joining the Socceroos, USA, and Paraguay in Group D. The Socceroos and Turkiye will face off in the opening match of the group stage on June 14 in Vancouver.

  • Turkiye qualified for Group D on March 31, 2026.
  • The Socceroos will play Turkiye on June 14, 2026 in their opening World Cup match in Vancouver.
  • The Socceroos played friendly matches against Cameroon and Curacao in late March 2026 before the World Cup.

The players

Kerem Akturkoglu

A Turkish footballer who scored the goal that secured Turkiye's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Nestory Irankunda

A Socceroos player who scored two goals in their 5-1 friendly win over Curacao, underlining his importance to the team's World Cup campaign.

Awer Mabil

A Socceroos player who scored the opening goal in their 5-1 friendly win over Curacao.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Socceroos will continue their World Cup preparations with additional friendly matches before their opening group stage match against Turkiye on June 14 in Vancouver.

The takeaway

The Socceroos now know their full World Cup group, allowing them to focus their training and strategy on facing the USA, Paraguay, and Turkiye. Turkiye's return to the World Cup after a long absence adds an intriguing new opponent for the Socceroos to prepare for.