Australia and Türkiye face off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena — one of the most storied venues in American football history — in what promises to be a competitive Group F opener. The Socceroos qualified through the AFC playoffs while Türkiye, semi-finalists at Euro 2024, come as one of the tournament's dark horses.

Türkiye's rise under manager Vincenzo Montella has been remarkable. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Inter Milan maestro, pulls the strings from deep, while Arda Güler — who lit up Euro 2024 as an 18-year-old — enters the World Cup as one of the most exciting teenagers in world football.

Australia under Graham Arnold are experienced at World Cups. Mathew Ryan is one of the best goalkeepers at this tournament, and Harry Souttar organises a disciplined defence. The Socceroos' big question is goals — with Mitchell Duke and Adam Taggart competing up front, they'll need to be clinical against a Turkish side that can punish any mistakes.