Turkey's World Cup Hopes Dashed by Paraguay's Stunning Victory

In a dramatic Group D clash, Turkey's hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were extinguished following a 1-0 loss to Paraguay. Despite dominating possession and shots, Turkey couldn't find the net, while Paraguay's early goal and resilient defense secured their crucial victory. This match not only marked a significant comeback for Paraguay after a previous defeat but also confirmed the USA's position as Group D champions. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match's key moments and implications for both teams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 12:49 IST

Turkey's Exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup

San Francisco: Turkey's aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have come to a disappointing conclusion. Their journey ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paraguay, who managed to hold on despite being reduced to 10 players for over half of the match in a pivotal Group D encounter.

Paraguay, even with a player disadvantage just before halftime, showcased remarkable defensive skills. They successfully repelled numerous Turkish assaults to secure a crucial victory, keeping their hopes of advancing alive.

The decisive goal for Paraguay was scored by Matías Galarza just 64 seconds into the match. His powerful strike from 25 meters found the bottom corner, marking it as the fastest goal of this World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 71 seconds set by Morocco's Ismail Saibari against Scotland.

The excitement continued when Paraguay's Miguel Almirón received a straight red card during injury time of the first half after a dispute with Turkish defender Mert Müldür. Almirón became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth while talking.

Despite being a man down, Paraguay's defense held firm in the second half. Turkey dominated possession with 32 shots, 51 touches in the penalty area, 12 corners, and nearly 80% ball possession, yet they failed to convert any opportunities into goals.

As the match concluded, many Turkish players were seen collapsing on the field, devastated by the end of their World Cup ambitions. A missed header by Merih Demiral in the dying moments epitomized Turkey's misfortune throughout the game.

For Paraguay, this victory marks a significant turnaround following their 4-1 loss to the USA in the opening round. They now sit with 3 points, tied with Australia, which keeps their qualification hopes for the next stage very much alive. Additionally, Paraguay's win confirms the USA as the champions of Group D.