---
title: "Connor Metcalfe scores second goal for Australia vs Türkiye in Group D, North America; boosts Socceroos' Group D hopes"
sdDatePublished: "2026-06-14T10:06:00Z"
source: "https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/world-cup-stars-st-pauli-australia-connor-metcalfe-37810"
topics:
  - name: "sport"
    identifier: "medtop:15000000"
  - name: "sport event"
    identifier: "medtop:20001108"
  - name: "football"
    identifier: "medtop:20001065"
  - name: "world cup"
    identifier: "medtop:20001122"
  - name: "sport achievement"
    identifier: "medtop:20001301"
locations:
  - "Hamburg-Mitte"
  - "Germany"
  - "Turkey"
  - "United States"
  - "Australia"
---


Connor Metcalfe scores second goal for Australia vs Türkiye in Group D, North America; boosts Socceroos' Group D hopes

World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: St. Pauli's Connor Metcalfe | Bundesliga

World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: St. Pauli's Connor Metcalfe

St. Pauli's 26-year-old midfielder Connor Metcalfe burst onto the FIFA World Cup stage with a brilliant long-range effort in Australia's Group D opener against Türkiye and will look to continue to inspire the Socceroos in North America.

Name: Connor Metcalfe Club: St. Pauli Nation: Australia International debut: 7 June 2021 Caps: 37 International goals: 2

Stats correct as of 14 June 2026

Metcalfe did not have the easiest of seasons in Germany. He saw his playing time limited after an injury-ravaged previous campaign, with a knee issue also forcing him out in January and February.

The midfielder did gain a place in the starting line-up at a crucial time though, making two of his three Bundesliga starts in the final two weeks of the season, as St. Pauli battled in vain to secure their top-flight survival.

Watch: Metcalfe and Irvine play defend the goal

What he brings to the national team

Having scored in a 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia in June 2025 that saw Australia book their place in North America, and playing a part in all ten of their friendly matches since, it was no surprise to see Tony Popovic select Metcalfe for their opening Group D tie against Türkiye .

The bustling midfielder repaid that faith in spades by bounding forward and slotting in a superb second goal from 20 yards out.

“He’s got a good football brain, is a hard tackler and is able to set up his teammates or get into dangerous positions himself." - Former St. Pauli coach Alexander Blessin

“We've probably exposed Connor Metcalfe a lot more than any other player with a similar situation. But he's a really robust young man, and he's been able to handle it really well." - Australia head coach Tony Popovic

At this point you will find external content from JWPlayer that complements the article. You can show it with a click and hide it again.

I agree that external content from JWPlayer will be shown to me. This enables personal data to be transmitted to JWPlayer and cookies to be set by JWPlayer . You can find out more about this in JWPlayer 's privacy statement | Edit cookie settings

Ones to watch in Group D

St. Pauli: Fabian Hürzeler's record-chasers

Which Bundesliga players were in action at the Asian Cup?

Ones to watch in Groups B and C

World Cup stars: St. Pauli's Jackson Irvine

Metcalfe and Irvine play defend the goal 🇦🇺

Recommended editorial content from JWPlayer