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Hakan Calhanoglu expects Turkey to dominate Australia in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 2:40 AM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Hakan Calhanoglu expects Turkey to dominate Australia in World Cup opener

Summary

Turkey is competing in the World Cup for the first time since 2002, facing Australia at BC Place. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating they have 'more qualities and a more talented team.' Australia's Aiden O’Neill acknowledged Calhanoglu’s opinion but affirmed the quality of their own squad. Turkey aims to leverage their European success against Australia, who reached the knockout stage in the previous tournament.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Turkey faces Australia on June 13 at BC Place.
•Hakan Calhanoglu emphasizes Turkey's superior talent.
•Australia is competing in their sixth consecutive World Cup.
•Aiden O'Neill asserts Australia's readiness against Turkey.
•Turkey has not qualified for the last five World Cups.

Latest Updates

2:40 AMYahoo Sports — Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu says his 'more talented' team will 'dominate' Australia in World Cup

What they're saying

"
Turkey is back in the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and, despite the long absence, captain Hakan Calhanoglu has made some bulletin-board worthy comments about his team’s first opponent. “I think we will dominate (Saturday), the game, because we have more qualities and a more talented team,” Calhanoglu said Friday of Australia, Turkey's opponent at BC Place. Turkey has had its share of continental success throughout much of this century but did not qualify for the past five World Cups.
— Yahoo Sportsby BEN KULE

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