Socceroos score big over Turkey in Vancouver's 2026 World Cup hosting debut

British Columbia·NewSocceroos score big over Turkey in Vancouver's 2026 World Cup hosting debutAustralia win Group D match with great goalkeeping and a stout defence.Australia win Group D match with great goalkeeping and a stout defenceKarin Larsen · CBC News · Posted: Jun 14, 2026 5:25 AM EDT | Last Updated: 14 minutes agoPlayListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur.

We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Australia fans celebrate a 2-0 win over Turkey at B.C.

Place Stadium in Vancouver. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)Social SharingTurkey came into its opening game of the World Cup the slight favourite and full of confidence that their team was more talented than Australia.They leave like the AC/DC hit says: "Thunderstruck," 2-nil losers to the opportunistic Socceroos who rode their stout defence and hot goalkeeper to victory.

The Aussie rock anthem blasted over the B.C. Place speakers more than the majority Turkish crowd cared to hear, a fitting theme for a thrilling game that also happened to mark Vancouver’s hosting debut for the 2026 men’s World Cup.

“A bloody great start,” enthused Australia supporter Cameron Atfield outside the stadium after the match, before being mobbed in celebration by a group of countrymen.“Absolutely loved it,” agreed Perth native Matt Fitzharding. “Look, you got to give it to Turkey, they were passionate, they played fantastic.

But Australia came through and we showed our passion, too.”RecapAustralia spoils Turkey's return to the World Cup with a 2-0 victoryMarketing genius or own goal? Science World soccer ball free advertising for Adidas, FIFATurkish support in the stands was stronger in number and louder in volume than their rivals.

On the pitch Turkey seemed in control as well, dominating possession and shots in the early going, but never able to find the back of the net. “Too much passing,” said sad Turkish fan Ugur Marsinoglu. “At the end, you gotta score goals.

They couldn’t finish.”Turkey fans came out in numbers to support their team in what ended up being a losing cause. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)Australia counted goals by youngster Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Goalkeeper Patrick Beach, a surprise starter, made eight saves for the shutout, including stopping a dangerous free kick in the 57th minute.Resale ticket bargainsDespite announcing a sellout of 52,497, it wasn’t a completely full house at B.C.

Place with empty seats visible in many sections. That could be the result of the sky-high prices charged by FIFA, in combination with ticket buyers who thought they could resell for a profit before getting caught out by a market glut. 'Wait and see': Vancouver’s verdict on hosting the World Cup uncertain as tournament beginsCBC spoke to fans going into the game and heard from many that price of resale tickets had dropped substantially in the past weeks and days.

Erkan Asik made the trip from his home in Toronto to cheer on Team Turkey. He and three family members happily paid full freight: $1,400 each for premium seats in the ninth row after being selected in FIFA’s lottery release."It's worth it, absolutely," he said.

Vancouverite and Team Turkey fan Enes Unalli was able to purchase two resale tickets at bargain prices. (Karin Larsen/CBC)But Peter Staffidi from Adelaide, Australia, ended up winning by losing. After missing out on the FIFA ticket lottery he went to the secondary market and eventually snapped up two upper level seats for $150 US each, well below face value.

"The vibes are good and the city is beautiful," he said smiling.Same for Turkey supporter Enes Unalli, who paid $650 for a resale lower bowl seat three months ago, before buying another ticket for his girlfriend in the same section two days ago for $400."I just waited and kept on looking," he said.

The next game at B.C. Place is Canada versus Qatar on Thursday, June 18.

ABOUT THE AUTHORKarin Larsen@CBCLarsenKarin Larsen is a former Olympian and award winning sports broadcaster who covers news and sports for CBC Vancouver.CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices·About CBC NewsCorrections and clarifications·Submit a news tip·Report errorRelated Stories Potential new stadium sites emerge during talks to save Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver police have been preparing for the World Cup for years. Now, they put their training to the test Metro Vancouver urges residents to keep saving water as temperatures rise British Columbia·NewSocceroos score big over Turkey in Vancouver's 2026 World Cup hosting debutAustralia win Group D match with great goalkeeping and a stout defence.

Australia win Group D match with great goalkeeping and a stout defenceKarin Larsen · CBC News · Posted: Jun 14, 2026 5:25 AM EDT | Last Updated: 14 minutes agoPlayListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are