Türkiye national football team were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1–0 defeat to Paraguay national football team in their second Group D match.
The result means Türkiye finished the group stage with 0 points and 0 goals, ending their tournament campaign after just two games.
Match Summary
Despite Paraguay being reduced to 10 men before halftime, Türkiye were unable to break through and find an equaliser.
Key moments:
- 2’ – 1-0 Paraguay: Matías Galarza scored early with a left-footed strike from outside the box.
- 35’ – Post hit: Mert Müldür struck the post as Türkiye pushed for an equaliser.
- 45+3’ – Red card: Paraguay were reduced to 10 men after Miguel Almirón was sent off.
- HT – 1-0 Paraguay: Türkiye dominated possession but trailed at the break.
- 46’ – Substitution: Barış Alper Yılmaz replaced Kerem Aktürkoğlu as Türkiye pushed forward.
- 60’ – Double change: Can Uzun and Deniz Gül came on to increase attacking pressure.
- 63’ – Yellow card: Coach Vincenzo Montella was booked during sideline protests.
- 89’ – Late chance: Deniz Gül missed a crucial opportunity to equalise.
- FT – 1-0 Paraguay: Paraguay held on for victory.
Türkiye’s Performance
Vincenzo Montella started with a strong attacking lineup including:
- Arda Güler
- Kenan Yıldız
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu
Türkiye dominated large parts of the match statistically, including possession and shots, but lacked clinical finishing in front of goal.
Paraguay’s Response
Paraguay national football team held firm defensively after going down to 10 men and secured a crucial victory following their opening-match defeat.
The result keeps Paraguay’s qualification hopes alive heading into their final group match, with the United States and Australia also competing for progression from Group D.
Tournament Outcome
With two defeats in two matches, Türkiye’s World Cup campaign ends early, despite strong individual performances and long spells of control in both games.