Turkey vs. Australia Prediction: World Cup Group Stage Odds and Picks
It’s a bit unusual that this Group D game isn’t played the same day as the USA-Paraguay also in the group, but event organizers wanted the host Americans to open Friday night in primetime.
Turkey vs. Australia: How to Watch and Match Info
When: Saturday, Midnight ET, BC Place, Vancouver
TV: FS1, Telemundo
Weather: Looks to be a gorgeous June summer night
Turkey vs. Australia Group D Match Betting Odds
The Socceroos are -140 favourites on the World Cup odds with the Turks at +400 and a draw +280. The total is 2.5 goals, which is standard for a WC game, and the under is -125.
Turkey vs. Australia: Predicted Starting XI Lineups
Australia: Ryan (keeper), Italiano, Degenek, Souttar, Circati, Bos, Metcalfe, Devlin, O’Neill, Irankunda, Touré
Turkey: Cakir (keeper), Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu, Yuksek, Calhanoglu, Yildiz, Guler, Yilmaz, Akturkoglu
Turkey FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Turkey is ranked 22nd in the world by FIFA, in the World Cup for a third time and first since 2002 when the side finished third for its best-ever result in the event. In fact, former Turkey player Hakan Sükür has the record for fastest goal scored in World Cup history, finding the net just 10.89 seconds into the third-place match against South Korea in 2002. Coach Vincenzo Montella’s club finished second to Spain in UEFA qualifying Group E for this tournament and then advanced via playoff wins over Romania and Kosovo.
Ay-Yıldızlılar, or the Crescent-Stars, are likely to be led going forward by 21-year-olds Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz in their first World Cup. At the 2024 European Championships, both started in a match against Georgia, making Turkey only the second team in Euros history to field two teenagers simultaneously in a starting XI. The heart-and-soul of the club is 32-year-old captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who is +400 for an anytime goal in this match. Teammate Kerem Akturkoglu is the overall +200 leader.
Australia FIFA World Cup Odds and News
The Socceroos, a truly great nickname, are ranked 27th in the world by FIFA. It’s their seventh all-time appearance in the World Cup with a mark of four wins, four draws and 12 losses. The Aussies’ best result was the Round of 16 in 2006 and also four years ago in Qatar when it lost 2-1 to eventual champion Argentina. In qualifying for this year’s event, the Aussies topped their section in the second round of AFC qualifying by winning all six matches before advancing to the finals as runners-up to Japan in the third round. Kusini Yengi was the top scorer in qualifying overall with six goals but is out injured now.
Coach Tony Popovic earned 58 caps in his playing days for Australia, scoring eight goals. He was appointed to the national team role following the departure of Graham Arnold in late 2024. Central defender Lucas Herrington, just 18, will be a key player just months after making his Socceroos debut. He’s one of the youngest guys in the event. Keeper Mathew Ryan is the team captain and is third all-time in caps for Australia with 101. The Aussie drew 1-1 against Switzerland last Saturday in their final warm-up.
Turkey vs. Australia Player Odds and Props
Turkey’s Arda Guler at -180 for a shot on goal and both teams to score at -110.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
To win Group D, Turkey is a +175 second-favourite behind the United States, and Australia is the longshot at +800. As long as the Turks don’t outright lose here, they should advance as the group’s second-place team and are -500 to qualify. Don’t think the Aussies (-110) will qualify.
Turkey vs. Australia Score Prediction
These countries have only played in two 2014 friendlies. I like a draw for this match, most likely 1-1 – which is priced +600.
Check our our complete guide to betting on the FIFA World Cup.