World Cup: Keito Nakamura strikes as Japan earn point and Australia upset Turkey
Ligue 1 talent took centre stage on another dramatic day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Stade de Reims winger Keito Nakamura found the net for Japan before Australia produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises with a stunning 2-0 victory over Turkey.
Nakamura continued his outstanding international form by scoring Japan’s equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Arlington. After Virgil van Dijk had given the Dutch the lead early in the second half, the Reims forward controlled the ball on the edge of the area before calmly guiding a right-footed finish beyond Bart Verbruggen to bring the Samurai Blue level.
The 24-year-old’s goal sparked an entertaining second half in which Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ advantage before Daichi Kamada salvaged a late point for Japan with an 88th-minute header. Nakamura had already threatened before the break and was one of Japan’s standout performers throughout the contest.
Former Stade de Reims winger Junya Ito also featured from the bench as Japan extended their impressive unbeaten run with a valuable point in Group F.
Australia upset Turkey
Meanwhile, on the west coast of Canada, Australia’s new generation announced itself on the world stage with an eye-catching victory over Turkey.
Former Bayern Munich youngster Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute after being picked out by Paul Okon-Engstler, before celebrating with Tim Cahill’s iconic corner-flag boxing routine. The Socceroos absorbed sustained Turkish pressure before Connor Metcalfe sealed the upset with a clinical counter-attacking finish late in the second half.
Much of the credit also belonged to 22-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who produced a string of spectacular saves—including a fingertip stop onto the post from Abdulkerim Bardakcı and another excellent intervention to deny Arda Güler—to preserve Australia’s clean sheet.
Turkey dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Tony Popovic’s youthful side defended resolutely to secure one of the most memorable World Cup victories in the nation’s recent history and make the perfect start to their Group D campaign.
Elsewhere, Germany opened their tournament in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, Kai Havertz scoring twice as Julian Nagelsmann’s side underlined their status as one of the early favourites.
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