SYDNEY (Interstat) — Australia will face Turkiye on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in a World Cup group-stage match at an undetermined venue in Australia. The Socceroos enter the contest as the home side and as slight favorites according to Interstat’s game simulator, which projects a 2-1 victory for Australia.

Australia has not played a competitive match since September 2025, when they defeated New Zealand 3-1 on Tuesday, Sept. 9. That result extended a strong run that included a 1-0 win over Japan on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The back-to-back victories — both on the road — have built momentum for Graham Arnold’s squad ahead of the World Cup opener.

Turkiye, meanwhile, arrives in Australia with mixed form. Their most recent result was a 1-0 home win over Romania on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Before that, the Turks played a five-match stretch that featured four wins and one heavy defeat. After opening the season with a 6-0 loss at Spain on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, Turkiye rebounded with a 6-1 rout of Bulgaria on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed by a 4-1 victory over Georgia on Tuesday, Oct. 14. They then beat Bulgaria again, 2-0, on Saturday, Nov. 15, before earning a 2-2 draw at Spain on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Turkiye’s defense has shown resilience, allowing only two goals in their last four matches, but the 6-0 defeat to Spain remains a blemish. Australia’s back line will face a squad that has scored 11 goals in its past three away matches combined.

Both teams will play a quick turnaround after Sunday’s match. Australia travels to face the United States on Friday, June 19, then meets Paraguay on Thursday, June 25. Turkiye hosts Paraguay on Friday, June 19, then hosts the United States on Thursday, June 25.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. local time. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.