Turkey were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup on Saturday after a painful 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, despite playing the entire second half with a numerical advantage. Matias Galarza scored after just 65 seconds, and that early goal proved decisive. Because of the result, the United States secured first place in Group D.
The match began disastrously for Turkey, as Julio Enciso delivered a superb ball that found Galarza for what was described as the fastest World Cup goal since 1998 and the second-fastest ever. Turkey, featuring Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu, controlled much of the rest of the first half but could not come close to seriously threatening the goal.
The turning point came in first-half stoppage time, when former Newcastle player Miguel Almiron was sent off with a straight red card in the 45+3 minute after covering his mouth, leaving Paraguay to play the last 45 minutes with 10 men. Even then, Turkey could not turn possession into goals. Aside from a shot off the crossbar in the first half and a good effort from Can Uzun in the 89th minute, they failed to create clear chances.
For Turkey, it was a major disappointment in only their third World Cup appearance and their first since 2002, especially after reaching the quarterfinals at Euro 2024. Paraguay, by contrast, earned praise for holding off a stronger opponent and may still advance. The United States will face Turkey in a match that is effectively for the record book, while Paraguay and Australia will meet in a decisive game for second place, with a draw likely enough to send both through to the round of 32.
