Patrick Beach had an inspirational performance for Australia against Turkey Stu Forster/ True Australian grit might conjure an image of a man called Pat Beach meeting an ocean surge by inviting it on.

Indian-origin winger Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut as Australia beat Turkiye 2-0 in their Group D opener. The result gave the Socceroos an early edge in the qualification race and marked another step in Velupillay's rapid rise.

In Melbourne, Federation Square became the epicentre of fan festivities, with capacity crowds packing into the CBD venue for a Socceroos viewing party.

The Socceroos' first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here! Tony Popovic's side take on Türkiye at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, at 2 p.m. AEST with Group D wide

Here's everything you need to know about Australia and Turkey's World Cup Group D clash. (contains affiliate links)