Turkey 0-1 Paraguay Highlights, FIFA World Cup: Ten-Man La Albirroja Knock Out Crescent-Stars With Gritty Victory

Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog as Tureky and Paraguay face-off in the Group D match. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Alderete, Caceres, Alonso, Gustavo Gomez (c); Diego Gomez, Almiron, Cubas, Galarza; Enciso, Pitta.

Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir (GK); Demiral, Bardakci, Muldur, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu (c), Yuksek; Guler, Yildizm, Akgun; Akturkoglu.

We're underway in Santa Clara, and the stakes could hardly be higher. Turkey know that anything less than a win could spell the end of their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after their opening defeat to Australia. Paraguay are also under pressure following their heavy loss to the United States, though their qualification hopes would remain alive even with another setback.

What a start from Paraguay! Just 64 seconds on the clock and Galarza has fired La Albirroja into the lead with a stunning strike. Turkey lose possession in midfield, Paraguay break forward instantly, and Galarza takes full advantage, drilling a low left-footed effort beyond Çakır and in off the post. The goalkeeper had no chance as the shot kissed the upright before nestling in the net. It's a magnificent finish and officially the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far. Turkey's nightmare start leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Turkey are dominating the ball with nearly 78% possession, but Paraguay's early strike has allowed them to sit back and protect their advantage. Despite all of Turkey's territorial control, chances have been at a premium, with Galarza's goal still the only shot on target in the match.

Paraguay look comfortable absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter, while Turkey are still searching for a way through. As things stand, Paraguay are on course for a massive result, and the United States would officially secure top spot in Group D. Plenty of football remains, though, and Turkey know they must find a response soon.

End-to-end action in Santa Clara! Enciso nearly doubles Paraguay's advantage with a powerful drive from a tight angle, but Çakır is alert and pushes it away, even if the effort was straight at him.

Turkey break forward immediately at the other end and there are loud appeals as an attacker goes down on the edge of the penalty area after colliding with a Paraguay defender. The Turkish players want a free-kick in a dangerous position, but the referee isn't interested and waves play on. The drama keeps building as Turkey chase an equaliser before the break.

Extraordinary scenes in Santa Clara. Miguel Almiron has been shown a straight red card after an altercation with a Turkey player. The incident appears to revolve around Almiron covering his mouth while speaking during a heated confrontation, with Turkish players immediately drawing the referee's attention to it.

After consulting the situation, the officials decide the offence warrants a dismissal under the tournament's new regulations. Paraguay, who have defended their early lead superbly, now face the daunting prospect of playing the entire second half with 10 men. The match has taken a dramatic twist, and Turkey have been handed a huge lifeline in their bid to rescue their World Cup campaign.

What an utterly chaotic first half in Santa Clara! Paraguay struck after just 64 seconds through Galarza's stunning finish, the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, and have somehow managed to take that lead into the break.

Turkey dominated possession and territory but struggled to find a way through a stubborn Paraguayan defence. Then came the moment that changed everything: Miguel Almiron's astonishing red card deep into stoppage time, leaving Paraguay with 10 men for the entire second half.

The drama didn't stop there, with tempers flaring at the whistle as both benches exchanged heated words. Paraguay lead, but with a man down and 45 minutes still to play, this Group D thriller is far from over.

The tactical battle begins immediately after the break. Turkey make an attacking move, bringing on Yılmaz for Akturkoglu as they chase a crucial equaliser.

Paraguay, now down to 10 men, respond by sacrificing striker Pitta for midfielder Bobadilla, clearly prioritising defensive solidity. The message is clear: Turkey are going for it, while Paraguay are preparing to dig in and protect their slender lead.

The game is opening up now! Turkey make two more attacking substitutions, introducing Gul and Uzun as they continue their search for a crucial equaliser.

Gül is immediately involved, rising to meet a cross from close range, but he can't generate enough power and the header is comfortably gathered.

At the other end, Paraguay nearly land a knockout blow despite being down to 10 men. Enciso weaves brilliantly into the penalty area, creating a golden chance for himself, only to drag his shot wide of the far post. Big opportunities at both ends as the tension rises in Santa Clara.

The clock is becoming Paraguay's best friend. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill tries to take his time over a goal kick, but referee Ivan Barton isn't buying it anymore and waves play on.

Moments later, Galarza is left on the turf after a strong challenge from Bardakcı, only for the Turkish defender to end up battling cramp himself. Players are dropping all over the pitch as fatigue and tension take their toll in this gripping Group D contest.

Despite the stoppages, everyone is fit to continue, and with the tournament's strict rule requiring players to stay off the field after treatment, there's plenty of incentive to get back up quickly. The drama keeps ticking up as Turkey desperately chase an equaliser.

What a remarkable night in Santa Clara. Paraguay have pulled off a heroic 1-0 victory despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. Turkey threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, and their final chance fell to Hakan Calhanoglu from a free-kick, but his effort drifted wide of the target.

The final whistle confirms Turkey's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending their campaign after consecutive defeats. Paraguay, meanwhile, produce one of the tournament's grittiest performances, defending relentlessly after Galarza's record-breaking early goal and Almiron's first-half dismissal.

The result also seals top spot in Group D for the United States, while Paraguay head into a decisive showdown with Australia next week knowing a place in the knockout rounds is still within reach.