Group D gets underway with a really intriguing clash between Australia and Turkey in Vancouver.The Turks are back on the biggest stage for the first time in 24 years and there is lots to like about this young side, especially in the final third. Australia won’t make things easy though. The Socceroos have built a reputation for being difficult to beat at major tournaments and they’ll fancy their chances of making this a fair old scrap.I can see both teams having their moments but Turkey just look to have a bit more quality where it matters and I’m backing them to make a winning start here. Below are my predictions and best bets for the game.Turkey To Win and Both Teams To Score – 3/1 with bet365Arda Guler To Score Anytime – 11/4 with SpreadexCorrect score 1-2 – 8/1 with Star SportsAustralia vs Turkey head-to-head overviewDate: Sunday 14th June 2026Kick-off: 5am BSTVenue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada. Where to watch: ITV / ITVX (UK)Last meeting: May 2004. Australia 0-1 Turkey (friendly)Previous meetings: Two, both won by Turkey in Australia during a friendly series in 2004. Favourite to win: Turkey (8/11 favourites generally)Australia vs Turkey predicted lineupsBoth managers are expected to field strong sides for what already looks like a crucial game in the battle to qualify from Group D.Australia expected lineup: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Burgess; Miller, O’Neill, Metcalfe, Behich; Volpato, Goodwin; YengiTurkey expected lineup: Gunok; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kokcu; Yildiz, Guler, Akturkoglu; YilmazAustralia vs Turkey predictionsTurkey have been tipped by plenty as one of the dark horses at this tournament and it’s easy to see why.Arda Guler has developed into one of the most exciting young players in world football, Hakan Calhanoglu brings leadership and quality in midfield and Vincenzo Montella has assembled a squad packed with technical ability.The concern is whether they can handle the pressure that comes with expectation on the biggest stage and that has cost them in the past.Turkey haven’t played at a World Cup since finishing third in 2002 and none of this squad have previous experience at the tournament which is somewhat concerning.Australia are used to these occasions. This is their sixth consecutive World Cup and while they might not boast the same star names, they know how to make games uncomfortable for opponents.Tony Popovic has built a hard-working, disciplined group and the Socceroos will fancy their chances of frustrating Turkey and making this a serious physical battle.I just think Turkey have a bit too much quality in the final third. Australia should be extremely competitive and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get on the scoresheet, but players like Guler and Kenan Yildiz can produce moments that decide games like this.I’m backing Turkey to edge it and I’m calling it 2-1 with the value in Australia getting on the scoresheet.Australia vs Turkey betting tipsMy bets for this game all stem from the same view that Turkey have the greater attacking quality but Australia are experienced enough to make life difficult and contribute to an open match.Turkey’s quality can tellThe Turks have waited 24 years to get back to the World Cup and they arrive with one of their most exciting generations in decades. They have creativity all over the pitch and should create chances against an Australian side that can sometimes struggle when forced onto the back foot.However, Turkey’s defence isn’t always convincing and that opens the door for the Socceroos too hence the scoreline prediction. Turkey to win and both teams to score at 3/1 with bet365 Guler to light up the tournamentBig tournaments often create new stars and Arda Guler looks ready for that stage. The Real Madrid playmaker is the player Turkey will look to whenever they need a spark and his ability to find space between the lines could prove decisive against Australia’s defensive shape here. Arda Guler to score anytime at 11/4 with Spreadex A narrow win for the Crescent StarsThe more I look at this game, the more I think it could be closer than the market expects. Australia have enough experience and physicality to stay in the contest but Turkey possess the higher ceiling in attack. If the game opens up in the second half, that extra quality should shine through. Back the 1-2 correct score at 8/1 with Star Sports Australia vs Turkey latest oddsFind the latest Australia vs Turkey betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.More World Cup 2026 predictionsThere’s plenty more World Cup 2026 coverage and betting tips across every group, including World Cup 2026 outright predictions, Golden Boot tips and group-by-group previews, plus tips for every game of the tournament.Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Australia and Turkey for bettingAustralia are appearing at their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup. Turkey are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they famously finished third. The two nations have only met twice before, with Turkey winning both friendlies in 2004. Arda Guler arrives as Turkey’s headline act after establishing himself at Real Madrid and is expected to be the focal point of their attack. Australia reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and have become one of the most consistent qualifiers outside the traditional football powers. Group D also contains the United States and Paraguay, making a positive start especially important for both sides.World Cup 2026: More from talkSPORTWorld Cup 2026 Betting offersWorld Cup 2026 Betting tips and predictionsWorld Cup 2026 AI predictionsWorld Cup 2026 Betting guideWorld Cup 2026 Top goalscorer oddsEngland to win World Cup 2026 oddsWorld Cup 2026: Best young player oddsAbout the authorDave PotterDave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. Dave Potter studies the form and provides daily horse racing tips and football predictions.Find Dave’s on GYTO’s XCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. 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