Turkey will make their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup when they take on Australia in their opening Group D fixture, with Vincenzo Montella’s side looking to continue their impressive recent form and make an immediate impact on football’s biggest stage.

Australia arrive at their sixth consecutive World Cup finals having established themselves as regular participants on the global stage. However, the Socceroos are still searching for a breakthrough beyond the last-16 stage and will be eager to build on their encouraging performance in Qatar four years ago, where they won two matches at a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Despite that achievement, Australia’s record at the tournament remains modest. They have suffered more World Cup defeats than any other nation between 2006 and 2022 and have lost each of their last four opening matches at the finals. Their qualification campaign was solid rather than spectacular, securing second place in the final round of AFC qualifying to avoid the intercontinental play-offs for the first time since 2014.

Turkey, meanwhile, head into the tournament full of confidence after an excellent run of results over the past 18 months. Following their quarter-final appearance at UEFA Euro 2024 and promotion to UEFA Nations League A, the Crescent Stars enjoyed a strong World Cup qualifying campaign, losing only once before booking their place at the finals with play-off victories over Romania and Kosovo.

Since the start of 2025, Turkey have won 11 of their 14 matches, drawing one and losing only to Spain and Mexico. Their consistency has transformed them into one of Europe’s most exciting emerging sides, and expectations are growing that they can make a deep run in the competition.

History offers further encouragement for Montella’s men. Turkey have won all four of their previous World Cup matches against AFC opposition, while Australia’s famous 1-0 victory over Denmark in 2022 remains only their second win in 12 World Cup meetings with European nations.

The two sides have not faced each other since 2004, when Turkey won both friendly encounters.

Australia’s recent struggles in front of goal could prove decisive. The Socceroos have failed to score in four of their last five defeats and have managed more than one goal in just one of their last eight matches. Turkey, by contrast, have built their recent success on a solid defensive foundation, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five victories.

Tete Yengi could provide Australia’s biggest attacking threat after scoring on his international debut against Switzerland. The striker has found the net after the 30-minute mark in three of his last six appearances for club and country.

For Turkey, midfielder Orkun Kökçü enters the tournament in fine form. The Beşiktaş star recently scored in a 4-0 victory over North Macedonia and contributed 16 goal involvements during the domestic season, recording eight goals and eight assists.

Australia have a potential injury concern surrounding first-choice striker Mohamed Touré, who missed training earlier in the week. Turkey are also monitoring Kenan Yıldız and Ferdi Kadıoğlu after both sat out the recent friendly victory over Venezuela.

Prediction

Turkey possess greater quality throughout the squad and arrive at the tournament with significantly stronger momentum. Australia’s difficulties in attack, coupled with Turkey’s recent defensive solidity, suggest the Europeans are well placed to begin their campaign with three points.

While Australia are usually competitive and well organised, breaking down Turkey’s defence may prove difficult.

Prediction: Turkey 2-0 Australia

Betting Tip: Turkey to win to nil.