Turkiye and Paraguay will both be looking to bounce back from opening defeats when they meet in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D clash, set for the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday morning. Kick-off is at 5am CAT.
Form
Turkiye came into the World Cup regarded as one of the ‘dark horses’ to watch, but their campaign got off to an awful start, as they were out-muscled and out-smarted in a 2-0 loss to Australia in Vancouver last weekend.
Ay-Yıldızlılar (The Crescent-Stars) saw plenty of the ball and had many shots both on and off target, but they lacked the efficiency and penetration needed to really challenge Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick Beach – while also showing vulnerability to counter attacks, as exploited by Nestor Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
Paraguay’s start to the tournament was even worse, as they were completely blown away by co-hosts the United States in Los Angeles. A Damian Bobadilla own goal set the tone for the South Americans, who went on to concede further goals to Folarin Balogun (two) and Gio Reyna in a 4-1 loss.
Los Guaraníes (The Guaraníes) will need to tighten up in defence, show more fight in midfield, and create more chances for the likes of Julio Enciso and Antonio Sanabria if they are to get on track for progression into the knockout rounds.
What the teams are saying
Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella
“We know there is still time to recover in the group stage. We can definitely do something more, but it is fundamental that we don’t lose our convictions, and that we remain fair and objective in our judgement, without letting the result condition us.”
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro
“There are levels where defensive organisation, determination and effort are not enough. There are things we still need to incorporate and understand are essential if we want to move forward in this competition.”
Players to watch
Turkiye – Hakan Calhanoglu
The Inter Milan midfielder was one of Turkiye’s better players against Australia, but he will need to step up his intensity and execution to help the team be more efficient in the final third.
Paraguay – Julio Enciso
The Strasbourg player provided the assist for Paraguay’s consolation goal against the United States, and was generally one of the more dangerous players on the pitch. He will be hungry to continue that form against Turkiye.
Head-to-head
Turkiye and Paraguay have met in just one previous match: an international friendly in Iquique, Chile, in 1995 which ended in a goalless stalemate.
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