World Cup
3:00 A.MJune 20, 2026
Group stage – 2
Levi’s Stadium
Refers to: Iván Barton, El Salvador
Turkey
Paraguay
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.10
Expected Goals (xG)
0.32
Passing by
561 (89%)
Accurate passes
93 (53%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
23
G
Khakir Ugurcan
6.2
20
d
Ferdi Kadioglu
6.9
14
d
Abdulkerim Bardakci
8.0
3
d
Merih Demiral
6.7
18
d
Because Müldür
6.9
10
m
Hakan Calhanoglu (C)
7.7
16
m
İsmail Yüksek
6.9
11
m
Kenan Yildiz
7.2
8
m
Arda Guler
7.7
19
m
Yunus Akgün
6.2
7
F
Kerem Aktürkoğlu
6.7
12
G
Orlando Gill
7.6
6
d
Junior Alonso
7.2
3
d
Omar Alderete
7.2
15
d
Gustavo Gómez (C)
7.5
4
d
Juan Cáceres
8.3
m
Matias Galarza
2′
4′ Stumbled
8
m
Diego Gomez
6.9
14
m
Andres Cubas
6.9
m
Miguel Almiron
45+3′ Unsportsmanlike conductF
Julio Encís
2′
25
F
Isidro Pitta
5.9
Substitutes
18
F
Alex Arce
9
F
Antonio Sanabria
7
F
Ramon Sosa
17
m
Alexander Romero
24
F
Gustavo Caballero
20
m
Brian Ojeda
11
m
Mauritius
5
d
Fabián Balbuena
1
G
Roberto Fernandez
22
G
Gaston Olveira
F
Gabriel Avalos
90+2′ Replaced by J. Encisod
Jose Canale
90+2′ Replaced by M. Galarzad
Alexander Maidana
81′ Replaced by J. Caceresd
Gustavo Velazquez
67′ Replaced by D. Gomezm
Damian Bobadilla
46′ Replaced by I. PittaNo ranking data available for this league
Paraguay stunned Türkiye with a blistering goal to seal a 1-0 World Cup victory at Levi’s Stadium, with the South American side holding firm despite playing most of the match with ten men.
Matías Galarza’s first goal was decisive in San Francisco as Paraguay pulled off a huge upset. Türkiye dominated possession and territory throughout, but Paraguay’s disciplined defending and clinical finishing earned them three crucial points.
The match burst into life within seconds. Galarza struck in the second minute, picking up a loose ball and firing past the Türkiye goalkeeper. The goal sent shockwaves through Levi’s Stadium and set the tone for an intense game.
Galarza’s early breakthrough came at a cost. Just two minutes later, the goalscorer was booked for a rash challenge. That early caution would prove significant as Paraguay’s discipline faltered under sustained Turkish pressure.
Türkiye took control after falling behind. The home team dominated the ball with 79 percent possession and scored Paraguay’s goal with tries. They fired 32 shots in total but managed just five on target, struggling to find the clinical edge needed to break down Paraguay’s organized defence.
Paraguay’s task was further complicated in the 45th minute when Miguel Almiron received a straight red card. The dismissal left the visitors with ten men heading into the second half, facing an uphill battle against a Turkish side hungry for a draw.
In the second half, Türkiye increased their intensity. Despite their numerical advantage, they could not find a way through Paraguay’s stubborn backline. Juan Cáceres emerged as Paraguay’s standout, making nine tackles and earning an 8.3 rating as his side desperately held on.
Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye’s coach, made tactical adjustments to break the deadlock. He brought in new legs and pushed his team forward relentlessly. However, the Paraguay goalkeeper made five crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
The statistics told a story of unrewarded Turkish dominance. Türkiye generated a total expected goals of 2.1 compared to Paraguay’s 0.32. They completed 630 passes with 89 percent accuracy, but Paraguay’s resilience and Galarza’s first goal were enough.
Julio Enciso provided an assist for Paraguay despite few chances, showing his efficiency in attack. Abdülkerim Bardakcı led Türkiye’s defensive efforts with two key passes and an 8.0 rating, but his team’s efforts were not rewarded.
As the final whistle approached, Türkiye’s frustration grew. They pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Paraguay held firm. The South American team’s ten-man defense thwarted all Turkish attacks in the final phase.
This result gives Paraguay a significant lead in their World Cup group. Türkiye need to regroup quickly despite their superior performance as they face a tough task in their remaining matches.
