Thousands of fans flocked to Sydney’s Tumbalong Park live site to watch Australia win its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos claimed a stunning 2-0 win against Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver courtesy of wonder strikes by Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
Supporters of both nations descended upon live sites across the country, with Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park transforming into a football enthusiast’s dream.
Turkey fans were certainly not outnumbered at the location, which has become synonymous with hosting live sites for Australia’s World Cup matches.
But it was the Aussie fans who went home happier.
The 2-0 victory is the nation’s first in its opening group stage match at a FIFA World Cup since 2006.
Flares were let off in Tumbalong Park after Irankunda’s goal set off wild celebrations
Tumbalong Park was packed to overflowing with thousands of fans for Australia’s opening match of the World Cup
Nestory Irankunda is pictured celebrating Australia’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup
As the Mail arrived at the iconic location the line to just enter the viewing area stretched longer than a kilometre.
The nearby pubs and restaurants were also packed to the rafters, with the Aussie fans nearly outnumbered by their Turkish counterparts.
A sea of red greeted me as I entered the viewing area, with a large wave of Turkish fans arriving about 40 minutes before kickoff.
The atmosphere kept building, with fans of both nations going berserk when their countries’ players were shown on the big screen before kickoff.
Supporters of the Socceroos then made their presence felt, booing and jeering when the Turkish team sang their national anthem, and whenever they had possession.
Although it originally seemed like there were more Turks, as time went on, the Aussie fans kept finding their voice.   Â
When Irankunda’s amazing shot hit the back of the net, the massive crowd went ballistic under the sunny skies at Tumbalong Park.
Flares were let off, and fans began jumping for joy in the aftermath of the 27th-minute strike, with the volume skyrocketing from zero to 100 in an instant.
Pictured: The crowd starts losing it as Aussie star Connor Metcalfe put his team up by two goals with an incredible long-range strike
One fan couldn’t contain his joy and stripped off his shirt as the Socceroos stunned the football world in Vancouver
Connor Metcalfe is pictured celebrating his goal as his teammates rush to join him
With the goal, the 20-year-old became the youngest Australian scorer in a World Cup.
He then mimicked his hero Tim Cahill by punching the corner post in celebration, in a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
As Australia emerged from halftime, the team needed to remain wary of a Turkey side boasting stars who play in Europe’s top five leagues.
But Connor Metcalfe was the man to essentially finish the job, with a left-foot strike that found the bottom-right corner.
The goal, which was just his second at international level, sent fans at Tumbalong Park into a frenzy.
After a short, heavy downpour affected the experience for those watching in Sydney, fans who didn’t flock to shelter were rewarded with another incredible strike.
Australia’s performance has ensured Tony Popovic’s first World Cup match as a manager will be remembered fondly.
The 2-0 win puts the Socceroos in good stead for the rest of the tournament.
Australia will next take to the pitch next Saturday when it faces the United States.
It’s shaping up to be a grudge match after several US pundits wrote off the Socceroos’ chances pre-tournament.
