Turkey crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Paraguay at the Levi’s Stadium in the early hours of Saturday.
Matias Galarza’s goal after 64 seconds proved to be the only goal of the match as the South Americans got their first win of the tournament.
Miguel Almiron was sent off in first half stoppage time for a new rule, but they held on for an impressive victory.
Galarza scores early goal, Almiron sent off for Paraguay
Paraguay had suffered a 4-1 defeat to USMNT in their opening game, while Turkey had also suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Australia.
However, it was the South Americans who scored after just 64 seconds of the clash, marking the fastest goal of the tournament so far, breaking Ismael Saibari’s goal for Morocco against Scotland which came after 71 seconds.
Galarza fired in an effort that beat Cakir in the Turkey goal as Paraguay took a shock lead in the clash.
Turkey began to enter the clash and Muldur almost equalized, but his effort struck the crossbar before moving away to safety.
Paraguay went up the other end and Cakir had to be alert to deny Caceres, who was set up by the impressive Julio Enciso.
They were reduced to 10 men after Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth as he talked to Muldur, becoming the first player to receive a red card for the offence since the rule began at the World Cup.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Paraguay, with a big 45 minutes to come up.
Turkey fall short in second half
Turkey started the second half on the front foot in search of an equalizer and Demiral was denied by Gill early on in the half.
The European side continued to dominate the clash as they looked to score at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, but were put off by a desperate Paraguayan side who were very solid in defence.
Gill was called into action again for Paraguay, while Cakir saved at the other end before the offside flag went up.
Turkey broke once again from the counter as Baris Alper Yilmaz found Uzun, but his strike was saved by Gill before Gul stabbed the rebound wide.
The game ended 1-0 in favour of Paraguay as Turkey crashed out of the World Cup after two games.
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What Next?
Turkey have nothing to play for in their final group game against the United States, who have finished as group winners.
Meanwhile, Paraguay need to win against Australia or avoid defeat as they look to book their place in the Round of 32.
