Turkiye 0-1 Paraguay - 2026 FIFA World Cup result as Vincenzo Montella's men dumped out by 10-man Paraguay after historic Miguel Almiron red card

A second defeat in succession meant Turkiye became only the second side of the tournament to be mathematically dispatched from World Cup 2026. Paraguay won it with the only goal of the game after just 65 seconds had elapsed.

Despite another 32 shots and - after Miguel Amiron was sent off just before half-time - a man advantage for 45 minutes, Turkiye failed to find a breakthrough, and will exit the tournament after their final match against the USA. 

The first half was bookended in spectacular style, as Paraguay started it with a goal and ended with a man sent off.

Beginning at a blistering tempo, Paraguay pressed Turkiye from the whistle. Less than a minute in, Julio Enciso dispossessed Turkiye in the final third, before laying it off to Matias Galarza, whose accurate low strike evaded the outstretched glove of Ugurcan Cakir in the bottom right corner.

From then on, the South Americans could afford to sit back and force their opponents to take low percentage shots. Despite having 12 of them - and 78% possession - Turkiye could only find the target once in the opening 45 minutes.

The closest they came was on 35 minutes, when a Hakan Calhanoglu free kick found Mert Muldur, whose header hit first bar then post.

The match swung a little more at the end of the half when, in a moment of madness, Paraguay’s Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth, the first occurrence of the new FIFA directive.

The second half saw more of the same, with Turkiye again dominating the ball but failing to make many clear-cut chances. They were better, creating three big chances for an XG of 1.58, but the Paraguay defensive line held up well.

Vincenzo Montella’s men grew increasingly desperate, shooting from further and further out as they failed to find a way through.

Turkiye managed even more possession, while Paraguay mustered a fraction of the passes, but it didn’t matter. They will face Australia in the final match of the group to decide who goes through as runners-up.

Level on points with their final opponents Australia, third on goal difference. That's going to be a great final game of this group. USA with wins against both mean they're going through as winners regardless of what happens against Turkiye.

Keeper Cakir comes up for a Guler free kick. The ball falls to Calhanoglu and it's another shot wide. The story of Turkey's World Cup.

The defender's head flicks the ball just wide. Surely that was the last chance? Maybe not quite.

Every brick in place.

Edging them closer to a famous result. They've battled for this.

Just five of them left.

Replaced by Jose Canale. At the same time Enciso is swapped for Gabriel Avalos.

A furious break sees Yilmaz put it on a plate for Uzun, whose shot is saved. The rebound falls to Gul on the edge of the six yard box but he cracks his shot to the left of goal.

Orkun Kokcu comes on to replace Bardakci, as an attacking subsitution.

Begging for a touch but Gomez does just enough to put off the striker. Well defended.

And he doesn't seem to be simulating or trying for time. As he soldiers on, Turkiye need to see this and test him. Time is running out.

The penalty one, specifically, but high and wide it's closer to a rugby conversion.

It was high energy, but exaggerated would be a generous interpretation.

They're working for this lead.

Orlando Gill has to leap to reach for it and tip it away with his right hand.

Just four on target.

His first act is a caution-worthy flick on Caceres.