Türkiye 0-1 Paraguay – Group D result in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.

The match took place on 20 June 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group D. Türkiye hosted Paraguay in what promised to be an opening-round clash, with both sides eager to secure early points in the tournament.

How it unfolded

The game opened explosively. Just two minutes in, Paraguay took the lead when Matías Galarza unleashed a left-footed strike from outside the box that curled into the bottom right corner. The goal was set up by Julio Enciso, whose incisive pass split the Turkish defence and allowed Galarza to fire home the opening goal.

Only two minutes later, the young Paraguayan forward was cautioned. In the fourth minute Matías Galarza received a yellow card for a bad foul, a reminder that his aggressive involvement could come at a price.

The first half continued with both teams probing for another breakthrough, but the balance shifted dramatically at the end of the half. In first-half stoppage time, Miguel Almirón was shown a straight red card in the 45 + 3' minute. The dismissal reduced Paraguay to ten men for the remainder of the match, forcing the South American side to adjust their tactics while still protecting the slender lead.

The second half saw Türkiye push forward, seeking an equaliser. Their efforts were met with a further booking in the 71st minute when Eren Elmali was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. Despite the numerical advantage, Paraguay held on, and the match concluded with the scoreline unchanged: Türkiye 0, Paraguay 1.

Standout performers

  • Matías Galarza – The goal scorer who opened the scoring in the second minute and later received a yellow card. His early strike proved decisive.
  • Julio Enciso – The assist provider whose vision and passing unlocked the Turkish defence, creating the chance that Galarza converted.

Match facts

  • Final score: Türkiye 0-1 Paraguay
  • Scorers: Matías Galarza (Paraguay) – 2' (assist: Julio Enciso)
  • Bookings:
    • Matías Galarza (Paraguay) – yellow card, 4'
    • Eren Elmali (Türkiye) – yellow card, 71'
  • Sending-off: Miguel Almirón (Paraguay) – straight red, 45 + 3'
  • Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

What it means

This Group D encounter ends with Paraguay earning three points and Türkiye none, leaving both teams to continue their campaigns in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. The result will shape the next set of matches as each side looks to improve their standing in the group.