Both still searching for their first points of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Turkey and Paraguay meet in a crucial Group D clash on Friday in San Francisco, with neither side able to afford another setback in a tightly contested group.
After opening-day defeats, both nations sit behind the USA and Australia and already face pressure to respond quickly if they are to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Match Preview
Turkey arrived at the tournament with growing expectations following a strong run of form, but their opening defeat to Australia raised fresh doubts about their consistency on the biggest stage.
Despite dominating possession and registering 30 shots, the Crescent-Stars failed to find the net in a disappointing 2-0 loss, exposing long-standing concerns about their finishing in major tournaments.
Under coach Vincenzo Montella, Turkey had built momentum heading into the World Cup, winning seven of their previous eight matches before that setback. However, their record in major competitions remains a concern, having now lost nine of their last 13 tournament matches.
With a final group game against tournament favourites USA still to come, Friday’s encounter is effectively must-win for Turkey if they are to avoid early elimination.
Paraguay also endured a difficult start, falling 4-1 to the United States after conceding three first-half goals in a heavy defeat in Los Angeles.
Although Gustavo Alfaro’s side improved after the break and managed a consolation goal through Mauricio, the result extended their poor record in World Cup openers to just one win in nine attempts.
Despite that disappointment, Paraguay arrived at the tournament with confidence after a solid qualifying campaign that included impressive wins over Brazil and Argentina, showing they are capable of competing with elite opposition on their day.
However, Alfaro’s side now face a difficult path to qualification and must respond immediately to avoid falling into a near-elimination scenario after just two matches.
Team News
Turkey continue to monitor the fitness of Kenan Yıldız, who is still recovering from a calf issue and may once again be limited to a substitute appearance. Arda Güler, Orkun Kökçü, and Barış Alper Yılmaz are expected to support the attack, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu will remain central to midfield control and set-piece duties.
For Paraguay, Gustavo Caballero and Ramón Sosa are both doubts due to injury. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón are expected to remain key creative outlets, with Antonio Sanabria leading the attack after finishing as top scorer in qualifying.
Predicted Lineups
Turkey: Çakır; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadioglu; Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek; Güler, Kökçü, Yılmaz; Aktürkoğlu
Paraguay: Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Maidana; Bobadilla, Cubas; D. Gómez, Enciso, Almirón; Sanabria
Prediction
Both teams need a response after disappointing opening results, but Turkey’s greater attacking depth and creativity in advanced areas could give them the edge in a tightly contested encounter.
Prediction: Turkey 2-1 Paraguay
