The 2026 World Cup continues over the weekend with a Group D matchup between Turkiye and Australia. It’s a 9 p.m. local time start in Vancouver on Saturday, so it will officially be an early Sunday morning kick in Eastern Time. Turkiye have a powerful offensive squad that is expected to push host USA in the group, while Australia will look for another strong World Cup showing after advancing to the Round of 16 in Qatar in 2022.

The latest Turkiye vs. Australia odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Turkiye at -145 (risk $145 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Australia at +430 and a draw at +270. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Before making any Australia vs. Turkiye picks, check out the predictions from SportsLine’s Jon Eimer.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He’s been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Now, Eimer has studied Turkiye vs. Australia and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Australia vs. Turkiye:

Top Turkiye vs. Australia predictions

After examining Australia vs. Turkiye from every angle, Eimer is leaning Over 2.5 total goals. The Turkish side have some high-end European talent, including Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz. Eimer envisions Turkiye being one of the more aggressive offensive teams in the field, and believes they are not a team that will slow down often — potentially leading to opportunties on both end of the pitch

“Frankly I think Turkiye will score early in this match, forcing Australia to play a higher press to fight back, leading to more goals. Australia won’t go down without a fight, and we should have an exciting fixture on our hands. See Eimer’s best bets for Turkiye vs. Australia at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Australia vs. Turkiye at FanDuel here:

How to make Australia vs. Turkiye picks

After studying this matchup from every angle, Eimer has found some critical x-factors and locked in three best bets that you absolutely need to see. You can head to SportsLine to see them.

So what are the best bets for Australia vs. Turkiye? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Turkiye vs. Australia, all from expert on an 31-13 roll on UCL picks, and find out.

Former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, who most notably defeated Lennox Lewis in 2001, has given a damning verdict on Tyson Fury’s future in the sport.

‘The Rock’ scored a stunning fourth-round finish over Lewis for the WBC and IBF titles, only to lose their immediate rematch via an eighth-round stoppage.

At the age of 53, Rahman is now gearing up for a comeback fight on July 14, though an opponent is yet to be announced for his six-rounder at New York’s ESL Ballpark.

His last professional outing saw him lose to little-known opponent Anthony Nansen in 2014, yet Rahman seemingly believes he is capable of surpassing George Foreman by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Whether he can do so, it remains to be seen, but the American clearly feels he stands a greater chance at claiming a piece of silverware than the 37-year-old Fury.

In fact, Rahman has gone as far as to suggest that ‘The Gypsy King’ had his career beaten out of him by Deontay Wilder, who he also believes is significantly over the hill.

Speaking with B4 Champ, Rahman suspects it was their trilogy showdown, in particular, that caused both heavyweights to suffer considerable wear and tear.

“I just think Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury beat [their] careers out of each other – they left their careers in that trilogy. It’s over for both of them.

“You’re never going to see that prime Tyson Fury [again]. It’s over. [He’s] done.”

Fury won his third encounter with Wilder via an 11th-round knockout, but was made to overcome two knockdowns and several spells of adversity when they collided in October 2021.

Based on his performance against Arslanbek Makhmudov, who he unanimously outpointed in April, Rahman believes this Wilder fight was where Fury’s career might as well have ended.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency Image)

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him refine his batting approach after producing a stunning century against the hosts in the opening ODI at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday.Gurbaz was the standout performer in Afghanistan’s innings, blasting 102 off just 51 deliveries. His explosive knock featured eight fours and eight sixes and marked his ninth ODI century. However, despite his heroics, Afghanistan were bowled out for 194 in 24.5 overs as no other batter managed to make a significant contribution.Speaking after the innings, Gurbaz revealed that a conversation with Gambhir following Afghanistan’s heavy 300-run defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur had played a key role in his preparation.“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener explained that he had specifically approached the India coach to seek advice on improving his batting decisions.“I worked on those ideas in the nets, and I’m very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match ended, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.According to Gurbaz, the suggestions from Gambhir were straightforward but effective, and he was able to put them into practice during his match-winning innings.“He shared some positive ideas and I was able to apply them today. I just tried to play positively and it worked for me,” the right-handed batter added.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships around him. India’s debutants, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey, made an immediate impact, sharing six wickets between them. Brar returned figures of 3/27, while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help bowl Afghanistan out inside 25 overs.Reflecting on his approach, Gurbaz said the shortened format encouraged positive intent, but insisted he remained focused on playing his natural game.“The approach was very simple and easy, just to play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I know my game as well. I just backed myself and played for the team,” he said.The 24-year-old added that representing Afghanistan remains his biggest source of motivation and described the century as a reward for the effort he has invested behind the scenes.“It was nice to contribute. It’s always nice to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I trust my training and preparation. I work hard, and this innings is the result of that hard work.“Scoring a hundred against India in India is special, but as I mentioned, it’s the reward for the effort I’ve put in.”

Shemaine Campbelle finishes unbeaten on 90 as West Indies chase down 163 to beat defending champions New Zealand by seven wickets in Southampton in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

READ MORE: West Indies beat holders New Zealand in thriller

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The United States could hardly have asked for a better start to its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. In front of a packed home crowd, following a star-studded opening ceremony and months of growing anticipation, the USMNT dismantled Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Yet beyond the scoreline, the performance offered something even more significant: evidence that Mauricio Pochettino’s project is beginning to take shape.

For much of the past two decades, the United States has been viewed as a team capable of reaching knockout rounds but rarely one expected to challenge football’s traditional powers. Under Pochettino, that perception may finally be changing.

A Team Playing With Purpose

The result itself was impressive, but the manner of victory stood out even more. The United States overwhelmed Paraguay during a breathtaking first half, scoring three times while dominating possession and pressing relentlessly. Their intensity, movement and attacking confidence reflected a side that knew exactly what it wanted to do.

Under previous managers, the USMNT often relied on athleticism and organisation. Under Pochettino, there appears to be a clearer footballing identity.

The Argentine has introduced a more aggressive style built around high pressing, quick transitions and proactive possession. Against Paraguay, the visitors struggled to cope with the speed and energy of the American attack.

“The players have embraced the challenge of playing on the front foot,” Pochettino said after the match. “We want to be brave, we want to attack, and we want to compete with the best teams in the world.”

Building Belief Ahead of a Home World Cup

When Mauricio Pochettino arrived as USMNT head coach in September 2024, he inherited a team that had already undergone a significant tactical evolution under Gregg Berhalter. The former manager had moved the United States away from the more reactive style seen during Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure and established a possession-oriented approach built around positional play, structured pressing and ball control.

Under Berhalter, the team increased its average possession figures considerably while also becoming more defensively secure. His tactical adjustments, including the use of a fluid 3-4-3 shape in possession, helped create numerical advantages across the pitch and reduced the number of goals conceded.

Rather than dismantling that foundation, Pochettino chose to refine it. The Argentine introduced greater verticality, intensity and attacking freedom while retaining many of the positional principles that had already been established within the squad.

His philosophy is centred around aggressive movement, tactical flexibility and constant adaptation depending on the phase of play. Early reports suggested the transition was demanding, with players required to combine high physical output with sophisticated positional rotations. Over time, however, the squad has become increasingly comfortable within the system.

Defensively, the United States typically operates in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 structure. The team generally adopts a mid-block, allowing it to remain compact without retreating too deep or pressing excessively high. This setup focuses on protecting central areas and forcing opponents toward the flanks, where pressing triggers can be activated more effectively.

In possession, the shape often transforms into a 3-2-5 system. This structure allows the United States to create overloads in advanced areas, stretch opposition defences and sustain pressure in the attacking third.

What makes Pochettino’s version particularly effective is its reliance on player profiles. The system is carefully designed to maximise the individual strengths of key personnel, enabling the team to combine tactical organisation with attacking freedom.

That confidence was visible throughout the opening match. Despite the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd and carrying the expectations of a host nation, the United States looked composed and fearless.

“This tournament is about believing in ourselves,” Pochettino said. “If you don’t believe you can compete with the biggest teams, you have already lost before stepping onto the pitch.”

The victory has also injected fresh excitement into a fanbase that had shown mixed levels of enthusiasm before the tournament began. A convincing opening win not only earned three points but also gave supporters a reason to dream.

A Golden Generation Taking Shape

Pochettino has inherited arguably the most talented player pool in American football history. Several key players now compete regularly in Europe’s top leagues, bringing valuable experience from elite environments.

Against Paraguay, that quality was evident. Christian Pulisic orchestrated attacks before being withdrawn as a precaution, while Folarin Balogun delivered a clinical display in front of goal. Gio Reyna added the finishing touch with a spectacular late strike that underlined the attacking depth available to the squad. The challenge for Pochettino has been turning individual talent into a cohesive unit. Against Paraguay, the signs were encouraging.

Why This Performance Matters?

One result does not make a World Cup campaign. Tougher tests await against stronger opposition, and Pochettino himself has cautioned against reading too much into a single performance.

However, opening matches often set the tone for an entire tournament. The United States needed a statement. They got one. More importantly, they showcased the characteristics that Pochettino has spent nearly two years trying to instill: confidence, intensity, tactical clarity and ambition.

The road ahead remains long, but if the Paraguay performance is any indication, the United States may be evolving from World Cup hosts into genuine contenders. And at the centre of that transformation stands Mauricio Pochettino.

Errol Spence Jr has been given further motivation to defeat Tim Tszyu, knowing a potentially more lucrative opportunity could be presented to the winner of their upcoming showdown.

The two former world champions will square off in Australia on July 25, with Tszyu claiming a home advantage as he looks to re-join the world scene.

In order to do so, the 31-year-old must defeat a credible opponent and prove that, despite losing three of his last six fights, he remains one of the world’s top super-welterweights.

Ideally, he would be facing Spence at 154lbs but, given his opponent’s three-year layoff, Tszyu ultimately agreed to meet at a catchweight of 158lbs.

Prior to his lengthy hiatus, Spence lost his WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles to Terence Crawford, who defeated his rival with a surprisingly one-sided ninth-round stoppage.

Even before losing to ‘Bud’, though, many felt ‘The Truth’ would be better suited to 154lbs, where he plans to make his mark after triumphing over Tszyu.

If such a plan materialises, then Spence could find himself in a domestic dustup with Jermell Charlo, who has not fought since his unanimous decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023.

According to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, Charlo could equally face Tszyu if the Australian emerges victorious against Spence.

“I’m told he’s going to be lined up for the winner of [Spence-Tszyu]. Obviously, nothing’s done yet. What I’m told is that, behind the scenes, Charlo is being lined up for that fight, which will be at 154[lbs].”

Prior to facing Canelo at 168lbs, Charlo became the undisputed super-welterweight champion by dethroning Brian Castano with a 10th-round stoppage in 2022, just under a year after they boxed to a controversial draw.

The 36-year-old achieved this ambition while training under the tutelage of Derrick James, who is also the former head coach of Spence.

Trainer J D Hayes has indicated that the emerging stayer Simurgh is straightforward to train and is expected to continue his progression through various racing classes.

Having achieved three wins from his six starts to date, including his last two consecutive outings, Simurgh is set to aim for an extension of his winning streak in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (2400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Simurgh, an Irish-bred four-year-old, joined the Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes following a debut Australian campaign that saw him record one win and a minor placing from three starts in Ireland for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

After finishing second over 1600m at Pakenham on his initial Australian start, Simurgh has since gone on to secure victories over 2000m at Caulfield on May 9 and May 30.

In his most recent race, Simurgh raced prominently near the leaders to defeat Skippers Canyon, an opponent he will face again on Saturday, and will carry an additional 3kg for that win.

Ben Allen has been booked to ride Simurgh on Saturday, taking over from Craig Williams, who partnered the gelding in his last two successful performances.

J D Hayes stated that Simurgh is progressing well through the grades and shows considerable promise as a stayer.

“We’re just taking him through his grades to boost his rating, but he’s got a great future ahead of him,” Hayes said. “Hopefully we can ever so slightly raise the bar again with him and hopefully he can go along with it.”

Hayes mentioned that the stable is uncertain about the full potential of the gelding this campaign but has seen no indication of his form declining during training.

“He’ll tell us. He’s a very easy horse to pick in the mornings,” Hayes commented.

A potential trip north to the Sunshine Coast for the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) on July 4 is under consideration, provided Simurgh wins on Saturday.

“It will be a thought, but we need to get through Saturday first,” Hayes added. “He needs to win to see whether he can take a trip to the warmer weather.”

Simurgh is currently the $3.60 favourite in the betting for Saturday’s race, with Straand Deal, another lightly raced emerging stayer, listed at $3.90.

Explore Australian betting sites for the best odds on Saturday’s feature race.

Many boxing fans view Muhammad Ali as the greatest of all time, but the man himself once revealed his own pick.

Ali’s own illustrious accolades include becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, whilst talking part in some of the biggest fights in history, including the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ against George Foreman and the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ against Joe Frazier.

His final record stood at 56 wins from 61 fights, having also defeated the likes of Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton, along with becoming a cultural icon outside of the ring.

Those achievements are the reason why a lot of fans deem Ali to be the best ever, but in a resurfaced interview, the heavyweight legend once revealed his choice for that honour to be Sugar Ray Robinson.

“That man was beautiful. Timing, speed, reflexes, rhythm, his body, everything was beautiful.

“I’d say I’m the greatest heavyweight of all time, but pound-for-pound, I still say Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest of all time.”

Robinson reigned as world welterweight title for five years from 1946 to 1951, going on an incredible 91-fight unbeaten streak in the process.

His record at one stage read 129 wins from 132 fights, with 85 of those victories coming by knockout. After his welterweight reign, he moved up to middleweight where he became a five-time world champion in that division.

When he eventually hung up the gloves in 1965, he ended his career with a record of 174 wins from his 201 fights, and it is clear to see just why Ali ranks him as the greatest.

Official lineups of Brazil – Morocco

Brazil : Alisson – Ibañez, Marquinhos (c), Gabriel, Douglas Santos – Guimarães, Casemiro, Paqueta – Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Vinicius.

Morocco : Bounou – Hakimi (c), Diop, Riad, Mazraoui – Bouaddi, El Aynaoui – Brahim Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Saibari.

The World Cup 2026‘s first heavyweight clash will take place at MetLife stadium, the future venue of the final. It will pit Morocco, Africa’s finalists, against Brazil, five-time world champions.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026 – Schedule

This is the first major test for each coach in their World Cup debut. Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti can rely on stars like FC Barcelona‘s Raphinha, runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, and Vinicius Junior, but not yet on Neymar who will miss the entire group stage.

On the Moroccan side, Mohamed Ouahbi must manage without OM’s central defender Nayef Aguerd and Betis Seville’s winger Abde Ezzalzouli.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)