Paraguay blow knocks Türkiye out early in dismay

Türkiye lost 1-0 to Paraguay in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match and bowed out at the group stage. The defeat, in a game billed as a "must-win" at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, was a major disappointment for a nation back on the world stage after 24 years.

Türkiye started poorly and fell behind in the 2nd minute. From a Julio Enciso pass, Matías Galarza struck firmly with his left foot just outside the box and the ball flew into the bottom right corner: 0-1. It was also recorded as the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup. After the early goal, Türkiye took control and had more of the ball, but struggled to genuinely threaten the opposition goal. In the 13th minute, from a Kerem Aktürkoğlu chance, Arda Güler's effort flew just over the bar.

Vincenzo Montella made three changes from the Australia XI, bringing in Mert Müldür, Yunus Akgün and Kenan Yıldız for Zeki Çelik, Orkun Kökçü and Barış Alper Yılmaz. But the changes did not solve the team's lack of productivity in attack. The first half ended with Paraguay's 1-0 lead.

In first-half stoppage time came a moment that could have changed the game. Paraguay's Miguel Almirón said something to Mert Müldür while covering his mouth; after a VAR review, referee Iván Barton showed Almirón a red card. Paraguay were forced to play the second half with 10 men.

With the man advantage, Türkiye stepped up the pressure for an equaliser and a winner in the second half. Montella brought on Orkun Kökçü for Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Eren Elmalı for Ferdi Kadıoğlu to load the attack. The Crescent-Stars came close through substitute Deniz Gül but could not break down Paraguay's disciplined defence and effective goalkeeping. Despite the mounting pressure, the score did not change and the match ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors.

With no points from two matches, Türkiye sit bottom of Group D on zero points and -3 goal difference. Beaten in both their opening group games, the Crescent-Stars were mathematically out and became the second nation eliminated at the group stage. Paraguay, beaten 4-1 by the USA in their opener, claimed their first three points and drew level with Australia on points.

Hosts USA lead the group on six points, with Australia second on three points and a 0 goal difference, and Paraguay third on three points and -2. Türkiye face the USA in their final group game on June 25, but for the Crescent-Stars it is now only a formality. Their long-awaited return to the World Cup, after finishing third in 2002, ended well below expectations and has triggered a new period of soul-searching in Turkish football.

Image: cumhuriyet.com.tr