Australia vs Turkey Tips & Predictions – Crescent Stars to Win at the World Cup 2026
Turkey enter their friendly against Australia full of confidence after seven wins in their last eight games and recent solid performances, including a World Cup qualification return after 24 years. Australia, meanwhile, have shown mixed results: strong in Asian qualifiers but less consistent in friendlies. Key stats favor Turkey, who have won both previous meetings and boast greater squad depth. The recommendation is to back Turkey for the win, but expect both teams to score.
- Turkey return to the World Cup after 24 years
- We are backing them to beat Australia in the opening round
- Check our full preview for Australia vs Turkey below
Turkey are full of confidence after claiming back to back victories in their recent friendlies and they are ahead of Australia in terms of talent for sure. I am backing the Crescent Stars to win with BTTS in Vancouver.
- Key Stats
- Crescent Stars Lead H2H
- Mixed Results for Australia in 2026
- Turkey Return to the World Cup After 24 Years
- Team News & Predicted Lineups
Key Stats
- Australia have lost 4 of their last 7 matches.
- Australia have scored 6 goals in their last 3 matches.
- Turkey have won their last 2 matches against Australia.
- Turkey have won 7 of their last 8 matches.
Crescent Stars Lead H2H
This is going to be the third time these two teams lock horns. Turkey were victorious in both meetings so far.
Mixed Results for Australia in 2026
Australia had a good run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers in Asia, claiming four victories in the final four rounds to finish 2nd just behind Japan with 19 points from 10 matches (16-7 goal difference).
Their results in international friendlies have been quite mixed this year. The Socceroos were victorious in both of late March clashes against Cameroon 1-0 and Curacao 5-1, Jordan Bos and Nestor Irankunda scoring two goals each in these encounters.
They faced more serious opposition in the last two weeks, losing to Mexico 1-0 on a neutral court in Pasadena (missed two huge chances to score here), while the last test ended in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Tete Yengi found an equalizer for Australia here in the 56th minute.
Turkey Return to the World Cup After 24 Years
Turkey had solid results in the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign but couldn’t compete against Spain, ending second in Group E with four wins, one draw and one defeat.
They claimed a 1-0 home victory against Romania in the playoff semifinals, then proceeded to beat Kosovo in Prishtina with the same scoreline, posting 1.77-0.88 xG with 57% possession and 12-11 shots. The deciding goal was scored by Karem Akturkoglu.
Vincenzo Montella’s side looked great in their two test games ahead of the World Cup 2026, beating North Macedonia 4-0 at home and Venezuela 2-1 in Florida. Baris Yilmaz appeared on the scoresheet on both occasions.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Australia (4-2-3-1) Mathew Ryan; Jason Geria, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos; Jackson Irvine, Aiden O'Neill; Connor Metcalfe, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda; Tete Yengi
A lot of eyes will be on Watford's rising star Nestory Irankunda who is currently at 15 appearances and 5 goals for the national team, expected to be just behind Tete Yengi who netted against Switzerland.
A lot of eyes will be on Watford's rising star Nestory Irankunda who is currently at 15 appearances and 5 goals for the national team, expected to be just behind Tete Yengi who netted against Switzerland.
Veteran Mathew Leckie should start on bench, while goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is the captain with 104 appearances for Australia.
Turkey (4-2-3-1) Mert Gunok; Mert Muldur, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu; Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek; Arda Guler, Orkun Kokcu, Kenan Yildiz; Baris Alper Yilmaz
Turkish roster is full of experienced, proven players like Hakan Calhanoglu (105 appearances, 22 goals) and rising stars like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.
Karem Akturkoglu scored a couple of very important goals in the qualifiers, but his recent form hasn't been great, so he is likely to start on bench.
Verdict
Turkey are ahead of Australian in terms of quality, while also securing seven wins in their last eight games across competitions. I am backing the Crescent Stars to win here but not with a clean sheet.
Turkey Win
Result
@7/10 - 3 Units
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS
Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.
Turkey Win & BTTS
Result/Both To Score
@3/1 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
Turkey Win 2-1
Correct Score
@8/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS
18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
04 April 2026
23 May 2026
- LPL 2026 Split 2 Playoffs -
- Esports
- LCS 2026 Spring Playoffs -
- Esports
28 May 2026
- CDL 2026 Stage 4 Major Qualifiers -
- Esports
Load More
Sports Tips Starts in
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Horse Racing tips
-
Tennis tips
