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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

Scale of Socceroos’ challenge comes into focus as Turkey complete daunting World Cup group

Turkey players celebrate qualifying for FIFA World Cup after defeating Kosovo in Pristina
Turkey's Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek celebrate after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with victory over Kosovo. Photograph: Valdrin Xhemaj/Reuters

The Socceroos’ challenge at the World Cup in North America has crystallised after a dramatic evening of qualifiers in Europe, and it leaves Australia staring at two of world’s best young footballers in their tournament opener.

The fairytale run of Kosovo came to an end in Pristina after Turkey eked out a 1-0 victory to book their place in North America. That means Australia now know their first-up opponents, alongside the United States and Paraguay in Group D – arguably the most difficult of the 12 pools at the tournament.

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