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World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive

Associated Press
June 20, 2026 | 11:59 am
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Paraguay's Matias Galarza (23) celebrates with Junior Alonso (6) and Diego Gomez (8) after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)
Paraguay's Matias Galarza (23) celebrates with Junior Alonso (6) and Diego Gomez (8) after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and Paraguay in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)

California. Matias Galarza scored 65 seconds into the match for the fastest goal at this year's World Cup, and Paraguay held on for a 1-0 victory over Turkey on Friday despite playing with 10 men for more than half the game.

The result ensured the United States would finish atop Group D and eliminated Turkey from contention for a place in the knockout stage after its second straight loss. Paraguay will face Australia in its final group-stage match next Thursday, with second place in the group still at stake. Paraguay must win to advance.

"It's unforgettable," Galarza said. "This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing among the best. I'm so proud. I hope Paraguay is happy."

Paraguay was reduced to 10 men after Miguel Almiron received a red card late in the first half for violating a new rule that prohibits players from covering their mouths during confrontations.

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Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several crucial saves to preserve the lead as Turkey outshot Paraguay 32-7.

"It was very hard," midfielder Andres Cubas said. "These games are very tough, especially when you're one man down. We have to recognize the great group effort and commitment we showed as a team to keep fighting until the end."

Paraguay rebounded from a 4-1 opening loss to the United States thanks in part to a lineup change by coach Gustavo Alfaro. Galarza, who plays for Atlanta United in MLS, was inserted into the starting lineup after sitting out the opener and rewarded his coach by sending a left-footed shot from about 25 yards into the net just 1 minute, 5 seconds into the match.

Turkey nearly equalized later in the first half when Mert Muldur's header from a free kick struck both the crossbar and the post.

Muldur was also involved in the confrontation during first-half stoppage time that led to Almiron's dismissal.

Almiron and Muldur exchanged words following a foul near midfield. Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Muldur, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton.

After a video review, Barton issued a red card under a new rule introduced for this year's World Cup.

Turkey dominated possession for a second consecutive match, but once again it was not enough. The Turks followed a 2-0 loss to Australia with another defeat, ensuring a brief stay in their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.

Turkey qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2002 and entered with high expectations after reaching the quarterfinals of the European Championship two years ago. The team was considered one of the favorites to advance from the group but failed to score in either match.

Midfielder Arda Guler called Turkey's World Cup performance "embarrassing." According to Opta Stats, Turkey's 62 shots over two matches are the most by any team without scoring since records began in 1966.

"We should have scored some goals," Guler said. "We should have won these games, so apologies to the Turkish people."

Gill made a save on a deflected effort from Merih Demiral early in the second half and later denied Abdulkerim Bardakci's long-range attempt. He then stopped Can Uzun from close range late in the match before Deniz Gul sent the rebound wide.

Demiral's header deep into stoppage time also went wide, ending Turkey's final chance.

"I'm sad," Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said. "I'm sad, but I'm also very proud of my players. They gave absolutely everything right up until the final whistle. That's what football is like. We came very close to equalizing, but you also need to accept situations like this."

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