Paraguay produced a determined defensive display to defeat Turkiye 1-0 and keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. The victory also confirmed Turkiye's elimination from the tournament.
A record-breaking early goal from Matias Galarza proved enough for Paraguay, who bounced back impressively after their heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening Group D match.
Galarza Sets New World Cup Record
Paraguay made the perfect start and stunned Turkiye almost immediately after kickoff. Just 64 seconds into the match, Matias Galarza unleashed a powerful low strike from around 25 metres that flew into the net, giving Paraguay an early lead.
The goal became the fastest scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surpassing Ismael Saibari's 71-second strike for Morocco against Scotland earlier the same day. The early breakthrough gave Paraguay a crucial advantage and forced Turkiye to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.
Paraguay Show Character After Opening Defeat
Paraguay entered the match under pressure following their disappointing 4-1 loss to the United States. However, the South Americans responded with resilience and determination. Backed by passionate supporters and the constant sound of drums around the stadium, they defended bravely throughout the match.
Despite facing long periods without the ball, Paraguay remained organized and disciplined, frustrating the Turkish attackers at every opportunity.
Red Card Changes the Match
Paraguay's task became significantly harder just before halftime. Miguel Almiron was shown a red card during stoppage time after an exchange with Mert Muldur. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials reviewed the incident and confirmed the dismissal.
The incident marked the first time a new FIFA rule had been enforced at the World Cup. Under the regulation, players who cover their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt while making comments during a confrontation can receive a red card.
The rule was introduced after Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni was accused of directing discriminatory remarks toward Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr while covering his mouth. With Almiron dismissed, Paraguay had to play the entire second half with only 10 men.
Turkiye Dominate Possession but Waste Chances
The numerical advantage allowed Turkiye to take complete control of possession. At one stage, Vincenzo Montella's side held 79 percent of the ball and spent most of the match attacking Paraguay's defense. However, despite creating numerous opportunities, Turkiye once again struggled with their finishing.
They finished the match with 32 attempts on goal but failed to score even once. The performance mirrored their opening defeat to Australia, where they also created numerous chances without converting them. Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz and Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler were heavily involved in Turkiye's attacks, but neither player could find the breakthrough. Although Turkiye consistently threatened, their finishing let them down throughout the match.
Paraguay Defend Heroically
While Turkiye dominated possession, Paraguay remained dangerous on the counterattack whenever opportunities appeared. More importantly, their defensive organization proved exceptional.
The Paraguayan back line absorbed wave after wave of pressure and continued to protect their slender lead despite being outnumbered. Every challenge, clearance and interception helped frustrate Turkiye further as the clock moved toward full time. Their disciplined defensive effort ultimately secured one of Paraguay's most memorable World Cup victories in recent years.
Montella Proud Despite Elimination
The defeat officially ended Turkiye's hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds. Despite the disappointment, head coach Vincenzo Montella praised his players for their commitment and effort. “I’m sad, but ‌I’m ‌also very proud of my players. They gave everything right up until the final whistle. That’s what football’s like,” he said.
Galarza Celebrates Memorable Night
Goalscorer Matias Galarza described the victory as one of the greatest moments of his career. “We showed our quality fighting spirits even with one player down. God wanted this to happen for Paraguay ‌more than ever before,” said the 24-year-old, on loan at Atlanta United from River Plate. His goal not only secured three vital points but also earned him a place in World Cup history.
USA Confirmed as Group Winners
Paraguay's victory had significant consequences elsewhere in Group D. The result officially confirmed the United States as group winners following their earlier 2-0 victory over Australia. Meanwhile, Paraguay kept their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group-stage matches.
Historic Win for Paraguay
Known as "La Albirroja" because of their traditional red-and-white colors, Paraguay are playing in their first World Cup since 2010. Their best-ever World Cup performance came in South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Spain.
This dramatic victory over Turkiye may not match that achievement yet, but it has revived Paraguay's hopes of another memorable tournament run. After a difficult opening defeat, Paraguay showed resilience, courage and defensive discipline to earn a famous win that eliminated Turkiye and kept their own World Cup dream alive.