FIFA World Cup had another dramatic one as Paraguay won a crucial 1-0 victory against Turkey despite playing more than half the match with ten men. Paraguay’s participation in the tournament was revived and Turkey had been eliminated after two defeats at the tournament.
Paraguay enjoyed a perfect start when Matias Galarza put in the ball 65 seconds into the opening game. The midfielder who had been brought into the starting XI by coach Gustavo Alfaro after not featuring in the first game got the result with a stunning left-footed strike from long distance. His goal is now the fastest ever at the World Cup and it proved to be the only difference between the two sides.
The South Americans had a massive blow early in the first half when Miguel Almiron received a red card. Almiron was sent off under a new World Cup rule that prohibits players from covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents. Almiron was sent off for a foul near the ball in the centre of the field as he spoke to Turkey defender Mert Muldur and covered his mouth. After a VAR review, referee Ivan Barton gave him a straight red card and Paraguay had to defend their lead with ten men.
Turkey dominated possession throughout the match and created several chances to level the score. Mert Muldur did try in the first half but his shot hit the crossbar and the post. Turkey continued to apply pressure and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made a number of good saves to keep Paraguay ahead in the second half.
Gill denied Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci and Can Uzun, while Deniz Gul missed a golden chance on the rebound. Even in stoppage time, Turkey could not find a breakthrough as Demiral's late header drifted wide of the post.
The victory puts Paraguay at the top of Group D and makes qualification in the bag. They are now going to play Australia in a crucial final group stage match on Thursday and second place in the group could be in their hands. On the other hand, the United States has now officially secured the top spot in Group D after Paraguay's victory.
There is now Friday night's big match between the Netherlands and Sweden at 10:30 p.m. The match is one of the most eagerly awaited in this group and both teams are battling for a lot of points in what is now one of the most unpredictable groups in the history of the tournament. A win for one side could drastically change the qualification picture going into the final round of games.
The excitement continues on Saturday with another packed World Cup schedule. Germany will meet Ivory Coast in a game featuring one of Europe’s main clubs against one of Africa’s most dangerous teams. Ecuador will face Curacao in a game that could help them secure a place in the knockout stage and Tunisia will meet Japan in what is likely a tactical battle between two disciplined sides. Spain will meet Saudi Arabia in the day’s last match and could have a huge impact on the qualification and group race.
With surprise wins, dramatic red cards and qualification fights taking place and a growing number of high-profile controversies in the 2026 World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is starting to have the kind of excitement and unpredictability football fans wait four years to see for the world to see.
