An early strike from Matías Galarza condemns Vincenzo Montella’s Türkiye to a second straight defeat and an early elimination from Group D.
Türkiye became the first major casualty of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Vincenzo Montella’s side suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat against Paraguay and was mathematically eliminated after only two matches.
Expected to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds after returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, the Crescent-Stars instead leave the tournament empty-handed following defeats to Australia and Paraguay.
For Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay, meanwhile, the victory keeps qualification hopes alive and moves La Albirroja level on points with Australia heading into the decisive final matchday.
The match could hardly have started worse for Türkiye.
Only 64 seconds had elapsed when Julio Enciso found space between the Turkish midfield and defense before slipping a pass toward Matías Galarza. The midfielder cut inside and unleashed a left-footed effort that took a slight deflection off Merih Demiral before sneaking past Uğurcan Çakır.
It proved to be the only goal of the game and ultimately the one that ended Türkiye’s World Cup dream.
Montella’s men responded well after the early setback and dominated possession for long stretches, but their finishing let them down once again.
Mert Müldür came agonizingly close to equalizing, rattling both the crossbar and the post during an increasingly frustrating evening for the Turkish supporters.
Kenan Yıldız and Arda Güler attempted to inspire a comeback with moments of individual quality, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu tried to dictate the tempo from midfield, but Paraguay remained organized and disciplined defensively.
Alfaro’s team was content to sit deep and protect its advantage, relying on quick transitions led by Enciso and Miguel Almirón.
Paraguay’s task became more difficult late in the match when Almirón was sent off, but even with a numerical advantage in the closing minutes, Türkiye failed to find a breakthrough.
Montella introduced Bertuğ Yılmaz, Can Uzun and Ozan Kokçu in search of an equalizer, yet the final whistle confirmed a disastrous campaign.
After entering the tournament with considerable expectations, Türkiye leaves the World Cup having scored no goals and collected zero points from two matches.
Paraguay, by contrast, heads into the final round with qualification still within reach.
Match Report: Türkiye 0-1 Paraguay
Goal: 2′ Galarza (PAR)
Türkiye (4-2-3-1): Çakır; Müldür, Demiral, Bardakcı (86′ Kokçu), Kadioglu (71′ Elmali); Yüksek (60′ Uzun), Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Akgün (60′ Gül), Yıldız; Aktürkoğlu (46′ Yılmaz).
Head Coach: Vincenzo Montella
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres (81′ Maidana), Gustavo Gómez, Alderete, Alonso; Almirón, Cubas, Diego Gómez (67′ Velázquez), Galarza (90+1′ Canale); Pitta (46′ Bobadilla), Enciso (90+1′ Ávalos).
Head Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Referee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
Yellow Cards: Galarza (Paraguay), Elmali (Türkiye)
Red Cards: Almirón (Paraguay)
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group D
