Turkey meet Paraguay in a decisive Group D clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Having both suffered defeats in their opening group matches, victory is imperative to put third place in either team’s hands going into the final set of Group D matches.
Team News
Turkey have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-0 loss to Australia, with a full squad available for selection.
Paraguay could be without Gustavo Caballero due to an adductor injury, which saw him left on the bench in their defeat to the USA.
Ramon Sosa is a doubt with an ankle injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Turkey face Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, on Friday 19 June at 8pm PDT (5am BST, Saturday 20 June), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Turkey’s first World Cup meeting against Paraguay.
- Paraguay drew 0-0 in their only previous meeting against Turkey which came in a friendly in June 1995.
- Turkey have won one of their last four group-stage matches in this competition (W1, D1, L2).
- Four of Paraguay’s nine shots against the USA were produced by Diego Gomez.
Prediction
Given the talent within their squad, Turkey will of been frustrated at how wasteful they were against Australia so I am expecting them to put together a more polished display and produce the necessary reaction.
Paraguay are also in need of a reaction after they were swept aside by the USA with such ease, but their defence first must be more solid if want any chance of winning this game.
I however do think that Turkey will be too strong for Paraguay especially if they score first and can kick on thereafter.
Prediction: Turkey 2-1 Paraguay
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