Cricket who? Australia erupts in celebration after Socceroos stun Turkey
A video of football fans celebrating Australia's 2-0 win over Turkey went viral on Sunday, June 14. After seeing the incredible celebrations, many asked a simple question: Is cricket even popular outside of India?
Australia celebrated on the streets on Sunday, June 14, after the country's football team caused a major upset at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Playing against Turkiye, Australia showed incredible resilience and counter-attacking ability to register a 2-0 win against Hakan Calhanoglu's side.
Several videos of Australians celebrating on the streets went viral on Sunday as the country marked an extremely important win, one that could prove decisive in their qualification hopes for the next stage of the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia vs Turkey Highlights
On social media though, the celebrations prompted an uncomfortable question. When Pat Cummins' Australia won the ODI World Cup in 2023, beating hosts India, why were there no parades for the Australian cricket team? For that matter, why did the country not line up outside the airport when the team returned home as world champions in the 50-over format?
Is the craze for cricket only limited to India?
The celebrations also highlighted the difference in sporting calendars and how football continues to prioritise the FIFA World Cup as the biggest global competition in the sport.
That comes in sharp contrast to the way the International Cricket Council operates, hosting a major global tournament almost every year.
Cricket itself is already divided into Tests, ODIs and T20Is, enough to confuse new fans. Having world tournaments almost every year has only added to viewer fatigue.
FIFA WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA STUN TURKEY
Australia's win was built on defensive discipline and sharp counter-attacking rather than dominance on the ball.
Despite Turkiye controlling possession and creating more chances, Australia remained organised at the back and struck at the right moments. Coach Tony Popovic set his team up to absorb pressure and attack quickly, with Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda providing pace on the break.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Irankunda controlled a long ball, beat his marker and finished calmly for his sixth international goal.
Turkiye, making their return to the World Cup after 24 years, continued to push for an equaliser but struggled to break down Australia's compact defensive setup. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach also made several important saves to preserve the lead.
Australia later doubled their advantage through Connor Metcalfe to seal one of the biggest upsets of the opening week of the tournament.
After the match, Popovic praised his young side for executing the game plan and handling the occasion.
"Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this and put a smile on these people's faces who have travelled so far to support us," Popovic said.
Australia next face co-host United States in Seattle.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
Australia celebrated on the streets on Sunday, June 14, after the country's football team caused a major upset at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Playing against Turkiye, Australia showed incredible resilience and counter-attacking ability to register a 2-0 win against Hakan Calhanoglu's side.
Several videos of Australians celebrating on the streets went viral on Sunday as the country marked an extremely important win, one that could prove decisive in their qualification hopes for the next stage of the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Australia vs Turkey Highlights
On social media though, the celebrations prompted an uncomfortable question. When Pat Cummins' Australia won the ODI World Cup in 2023, beating hosts India, why were there no parades for the Australian cricket team? For that matter, why did the country not line up outside the airport when the team returned home as world champions in the 50-over format?
Is the craze for cricket only limited to India?
The celebrations also highlighted the difference in sporting calendars and how football continues to prioritise the FIFA World Cup as the biggest global competition in the sport.
That comes in sharp contrast to the way the International Cricket Council operates, hosting a major global tournament almost every year.
Cricket itself is already divided into Tests, ODIs and T20Is, enough to confuse new fans. Having world tournaments almost every year has only added to viewer fatigue.
FIFA WORLD CUP: AUSTRALIA STUN TURKEY
Australia's win was built on defensive discipline and sharp counter-attacking rather than dominance on the ball.
Despite Turkiye controlling possession and creating more chances, Australia remained organised at the back and struck at the right moments. Coach Tony Popovic set his team up to absorb pressure and attack quickly, with Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda providing pace on the break.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Irankunda controlled a long ball, beat his marker and finished calmly for his sixth international goal.
Turkiye, making their return to the World Cup after 24 years, continued to push for an equaliser but struggled to break down Australia's compact defensive setup. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach also made several important saves to preserve the lead.
Australia later doubled their advantage through Connor Metcalfe to seal one of the biggest upsets of the opening week of the tournament.
After the match, Popovic praised his young side for executing the game plan and handling the occasion.
"Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this and put a smile on these people's faces who have travelled so far to support us," Popovic said.
Australia next face co-host United States in Seattle.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
