Matias Galarza scored just two minutes into the game as Paraguay beat Türkiye 1-0 on Friday night in Matchday 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially eliminating the Turks with one match remaining. Miguel Almiron was sent off near the end of the first half, b
Friday night in the Bay Area started the way Paraguay needed—fast.
With the match barely underway. Matias Galarza scored an incredible goal two minutes into Paraguay’s World Cup clash against Türkiye. The early strike set the tone as Paraguay returned to the win column after a punishing start to Group D. following their stunning 4-1 defeat to the United States in the group opener.
Paraguay went into Matchday 2 in serious need of a victory to stay in the hunt for a place in the Round of 32. Türkiye, coming off a 2-0 upset loss to Australia in Matchday 1, also needed points—yet the Turks couldn’t prevent Paraguay from taking control of the moment that mattered most.
Galarza’s goal ultimately proved enough. Paraguay held on to beat Türkiye 1-0, completing a turnaround that was as urgent as it was emotional. It also brought an unforgiving end to Türkiye’s campaign: the result officially eliminated the Turks from the World Cup with one match to spare. Türkiye became the second team to suffer that fate after Haiti.
The night wasn’t smooth for Paraguay, though. Near the end of the first half. star midfielder Miguel Almiron was shown a red card after talking while covering his mouth—a rule FIFA implemented to prevent offensive language between players. Even down to ten men. Paraguay kept their shape and produced an astounding defensive effort to keep Türkiye’s attackers at bay.
Türkiye, for their part, couldn’t land the blows at the biggest moments. Their shots didn’t come through when it counted most, giving Paraguay plenty of relief as the match moved toward the finish line.
The win moved Paraguay to third place in Group D standings on three points. They are firmly above Türkiye while trailing both Paraguay’s group counterparts—Paraguay sit behind the teams ahead of them, with the United States and the group leader still in front.
Now the focus turns to the group finale. Paraguay will play its next match in the Bay Area, taking on Australia on June 25 at 10 p.m. ET, with the game shaping as competition for second place in Group D.
2026 FIFA World Cup Paraguay vs Türkiye Matias Galarza Miguel Almiron red card Group D Bay Area Round of 32