1st Indian-origin player debuts in FIFA World Cup 2026 as Australia stun Turkiye 2-0

Indian-origin winger Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut as Australia beat Turkiye 2-0 in their Group D opener. The result gave the Socceroos an early edge in the qualification race and marked another step in Velupillay's rapid rise.

In Short

• Australia caused a mega upset against Turkiye in FIFA World Cup
• The fast-paced team hit Turkiye on the counter-attack
• Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut in the game

Indian-origin footballer Nishan Velupillay made his much-anticipated FIFA World Cup debut on Sunday, June 14, as Australia caused a major upset in the tournament. The fast-paced Australian side beat Turkiye 2-0 in their first group-stage match of the tournament, handing themselves a big advantage in the race to qualify for the next stage.

Nishan, born to Anglo-Indian mother Gillian Velupillay, came off the bench in the 61st minute and looked solid in defence as Australia protected their 2-0 lead against a strong Turkiye side. Nishan, 25, is one of the brightest young prospects in the Australian team but was not able to show much of his attacking prowess on Sunday.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia vs Turkiye Highlights

Nishan made his Australia debut in 2024 after progressing through local clubs and Melbourne Victory's academy system. Debuting in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against China, Nishan scored seven minutes after coming on to help seal a 3-1 victory.

That goal proved to be the start of a rapid rise. Velupillay has since earned eight caps (including Sunday's appearance) and scored three times, with all of his goals coming in World Cup qualifiers.

Those performances convinced Australia coach Tony Popovic to include the 25-year-old in Australia's final 26-man squad for the tournament. On Sunday, Nishan became the first Indian-origin footballer to play in the FIFA World Cup'a 2026 edition.

AUSTRALIA CAUSE BIG UPSET IN FIFA WC 2026

Australia spoiled Turkiye's return to the World Cup stage after 24 years by securing a 2-0 victory in their Group D opener. Nestory Irankunda destroyed the Turkish defence with a sublime finish on the counter-attack in the first half before Connor Metcalfe scored the second goal in the 75th minute.

Australia got the opener on the break when Irankunda controlled a ball over the top, took it past a defender and finished inside the near post in the 27th minute.

Australia's resolute defence repelled Turkiye's attacks and the Socceroos doubled their lead in the 75th minute when midfielder Metcalfe collected the ball around 20 yards out and swept it home.

Velupillay came on for goalscorer Irankunda in the 61st minute but was asked to focus on his defensive duties as Australia looked to protect their lead.

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