The flags of Paraguay and Türkiye were on full display before the team’s national anthems in Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkiye at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Friday JUN 19. 2026. (Marko Ukalovic-SRS)

by Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The country of Paraguay pulled off a stunner at the World Cup.

Down 10 men late in the first half, Paraguay scored early and then held on for dear life in a 1-0 victory over Türkiye in both country’s second match in Group D play of the 2026 World Cup on Friday evening at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Türkiye, which was predicted to be a dark horse of the Cup, have been eliminated from the knockout round competition with its second loss of the tournament. Paraguay, who looked weak against the Americans a week ago, showed off its resiliency with its first win in the tournament.

Paraguay danced out to its first lead of the tournament 65 seconds into the match with the fastest goal at this year’s World Cup. Matías Galarza came down the pitch with the ball and fired a left-footed shot from 25-yards out to the left corner of the net past Türkiye goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir for his first goal of the tournament.

Türkiye dominated possession in the opening 45 minute and its best chance for an equalizer came in the 34th minute. Hakan Calhanoglu sent in a cross into the middle of box off of a free kick, but Mert Müldür’s header off hit the crossbar and goalpost.

Tensions ran high all throughout the match with multiple instances of pushing and shoving and heated exchanges between both squads after stoppages.

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player to be issued a red card for a new ruled introduced by FIFA for this year’s World Cup. Almirón was involved in a heated argument with Müldür following a foul near midfield. Almirón covered his mouth while saying something to the Turkish defender, who immediately appealed to Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton for a review.

After a VAR review, Barton issued Almirón the red card in the third minute of stoppage time in the first half sending the frustrated Paraguayan midfielder off the pitch for an early shower.

Just like it did in the first half, the Turks dominated possession and created chances as Paraguay’s defense bent but didn’t break. Türkiye had 32 shot attempts compared to just seven for Paraguay, with five on target.

Türkiye’s best chance to earn at least a point and keep their fading hopes alive came in the 89th minute. Baris-Alper Yilmaz sent a ball over to Can Uzun whose 18-yard strike was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil. The rebound chance by Deniz Gul sailed wide left ending the threat.

Gil finished the match with five saves for his first clean sheet of the tournament. Cakir made one saves on two shots on target in the losing cause.

UP NEXT: Paraguay finishes up Group D play against Australia on Thursday June 25th at 8:00pm at San Francisco Stadium. Türkiye will play its last match of the tournament against Team USA also on the 25th at 7:00pm at Los Angeles Stadium.