Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Paraguay vs Turkey ended with Paraguay national football team keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32 hopes alive after a tense 1-0 win that eliminated Turkey national football team.

Matias Galarza scored after just 64 seconds, the fastest goal of the tournament so far, before Miguel Almiron was sent off in first-half stoppage time for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Mert Muldur. The result mattered because Turkey are now out after two defeats, while Paraguay can reach the knockout stage by beating Australia national football team in their final Group D match.

For more Group D coverage, read Cristian Volpato Socceroos Debut Gives Australia Fresh World Cup Spark, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Paraguay Survive With 10 Men

Paraguay national football team struck almost immediately when Galarza fired home from outside the area.

After that, Turkey national football team controlled long spells and pushed numbers forward, but Paraguay defended deep and protected Orlando Gill’s goal with discipline. Almiron’s red card, given after a video assistant referee review by Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton, changed the rhythm but not the score.

Turkey had 32 attempts and 78.5 percent possession, yet managed only one shot on target.

Turkey Waste Another Dominant Display

Turkey national football team also had 30 shots in their 2-0 loss to Australia national football team, leaving them with 62 attempts across two matches and no goals.

Merih Demiral tested Gill after halftime, Deniz Gul missed a close-range header, and Can Uzun forced a late save before Gul turned the rebound wide. A deflected Muldur header also struck the bar and post.

Vincenzo Montella’s side had a higher expected goals figure in both games, but poor finishing proved costly. Turkey will face United States men's national team next with no chance of reaching the next round.

Paraguay now face Australia with a clear path: win and they are through.