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FWC: MEX v RSA live on SN ExtraSocceroos veteran piles pressure on Turkey
Anna Harrington, AAP • June 12th, 2026 8:23 am
Milos Degenek believes Australian experience could be an advantage against the young Turks | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Australia couldn't be facing Turkey at a better time as pressure and expectations mount ahead of their first World Cup in 24 years.
That's the view of veteran Socceroos defender Milos Degenek, who is more than happy to pile the pressure on the talented young Turks.
As Degenek ramps up the chat off the field, speculation abounds as to whether talented Australia striker Mohamed Toure will feature on it, after missing training on Wednesday (Thursday NZ Time).
Toure is due to be among 17 World Cup debutants in the Socceroos squad but Degenek, attending his third such tournament, pointed to Australia still having nine more players with experience than their opponents.
"If you look at the Turkey side, they have 26 players who have never experienced a World Cup and we in our squad have nine players that already have," Degenek said.
"So we've got a bit of experience in that regard.
"It could be emotional for them. They're very emotional people, very passionate, very humble and proud - but we're all that and a little bit more on top of that, as well."
Talented striker Mohamed Toure could be missing when Australia open their World Cup campaign | Photo: AP
There will undoubtedly be plenty of emotion and expectation surrounding Turkey's return to the world stage.
Degenek believes that makes it a good time to play them, despite talented stars like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.
"I think it is. You can't choose your games," he said.
"I guess playing the host nation first would have been phenomenal as well with the pressure that they would have had.
"But I think Turkey's got a lot of pressure as well, because they haven't been to a major tournament, World Cup since 2002.
"There's a lot of hope on them, a lot of pressure - but we're ready for that, definitely."
Degenek said he, his fellow senior players and coach Tony Popovic would keep their younger teammates calm.
Turkey star Arda Guler will pose a major threat to the Socceroos in their World Cup opener | Photo: EPA
The enforcer is ready to play his role if required.
"I'd run through a wall for the boys, I'd run through a wall for this country," he said.
"I've got no handbrakes in that regard - that for me is everything."
Socceroos fans will hope young gun Toure is ready to lead the line in that match.
Toure was absent from Wednesday's training session but the Socceroos said they expect him to return to training on Thursday (Friday NZT).
No specific reason was provided for Toure's absence during the 15 minutes open to media and teammates Degenek and Jordan Bos couldn't shed any light.
Australia's session on Thursday (local time) will be closed as intrigue grows over Toure's fitness.
That will be the final session before the Socceroos depart for Vancouver.
Other Group D opponents the United States and Paraguay face off on Friday (Saturday NZT).
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FIFA World Cup 2026: USA, Turkey, Australia, Paraguay preview | Group D
