Türkiye vs Paraguay: World Cup Showdown Preview and Lineups

Türkiye and Paraguay Face Off for First Win in 2026 World Cup

Both Türkiye and Paraguay are desperate to claim their opening victory after losing their first matches in the 2026 World Cup. The two teams meet Friday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, each knowing that another loss could mean an early exit from the tournament.

Türkiye entered the competition as Group D favorites alongside the U.S. and Australia but stumbled with a surprising 2–0 loss to Australia. Meanwhile, Paraguay was overwhelmed 4–1 by the U.S., with manager Gustavo Alfaro calling it a "very painful lesson" for a team returning to the World Cup after 16 years.

With zero points apiece, both sides face immense pressure to avoid slipping further behind. Their clash in California could prove decisive for their knockout stage hopes.

Score Prediction: Türkiye Expected to Secure a Solid Victory

After dominating possession and firing 30 shots against Australia, Türkiye showed they controlled much of the play but failed to convert. Against Paraguay’s leaky defense, scoring opportunities should come easier. A standout moment from young talent Arda Güler might just open the door to a win.

Paraguay may have learned from their defeat to the USMNT, but the gap in individual quality between the squads is likely to influence the final score. Historically, the teams have barely met, only once before in a goalless friendly in 1995.

Türkiye has a pattern of bouncing back after losses — since the 2024 Euros, they have always followed a defeat with a win. Paraguay’s offense, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency, managing just one goal in four of their last six games.

Prediction: Türkiye 2–0 Paraguay

Expected Starting Lineups

Kenan Yıldız is close to full fitness after recovering from a calf strain and could start, replacing Barış Alper Yılmaz to boost the attack. Deniz Gül might also return to the lineup over Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who had limited impact in the opener.

Predicted XI: Çakir; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Yüksek, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Kökçü, Yıldız; Gül.

Manager Gustavo Alfaro will likely be without Gustavo Caballero and Ramón Sosa due to injury. Júnior Alonso struggled in the previous match, so Alexandro Maidana could make his World Cup debut at left back. Mauricio may come off the bench despite scoring Paraguay’s lone goal last game.

Predicted XI: Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Maidana; D. Gómez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almirón; Enciso, Sanabria.

Match Details

• Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, United States
• Date & Time: Friday, June 19 / Saturday, June 20 at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST
• Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)

Broadcast Information

• United States: Fox Sports, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
• Mexico: ViX Mexico
• Canada: TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, RDS App
• United Kingdom: ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player

More broadcasters worldwide are listed for those looking to watch the match live.