Turkiye vs Paraguay World Cup Clash: Preview, Lineups, and Predictions
Turkiye Faces Paraguay in Crucial World Cup Match
Both Turkiye and Paraguay enter their upcoming encounter eager for their first win of the 2026 World Cup. After losing their opening matches, each team understands that another slip-up could end their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds. The match is set for Friday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Turkiye arrived as a favorite to top Group D, which also includes the United States and Australia. Yet they stumbled against Australia in a surprising 2-0 loss. Meanwhile, Paraguay had an even tougher start, falling 4-1 to the USMNT. Coach Gustavo Alfaro described that defeat as a painful lesson for a team returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence.
With no points on the board, both sides are under pressure. Losing again would almost certainly lead to early elimination, making this showdown critical for both.
Score Prediction: Turkiye to Secure a Solid Win
Despite last week's disappointment, Turkiye controlled much of the play against Australia, holding possession and taking 30 shots but lacking finishing touch. Their scoring streak before the tournament was strong, with goals in eight consecutive games, so it seems only a matter of time before they find the net here.
Arda Güler stands out as the key figure who might produce the moment that breaks the deadlock. Paraguay, while expected to improve from their previous outing, struggles with consistent attacking output, having scored just one goal in four of their last six matches.
The teams have met once before, a goalless friendly back in 1995, making them unfamiliar opponents. Historically, Turkiye bounces back quickly after losses — they have won every match following a defeat since June 2024. Paraguay’s attack has been patchy, which could make a difference.
Prediction: Turkiye 2–0 Paraguay
Projected Turkiye Starting Lineup
Kenan Yıldız, who missed the opener due to a calf strain, may start this time. He played 45 minutes as a substitute last game and looks close to full fitness. His return could replace Barış Alper Yılmaz to add energy up front.
Another potential change is Deniz Gül starting instead of the less effective Kerem Aktürkoğlu. The lineup might look like this in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Çakir; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Yüksek, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Kökçü, Yıldız; Gül.
Expected Paraguay Starting Lineup
Gustavo Caballero is likely to miss again due to a muscle injury, and Ramón Sosa remains sidelined with ankle issues. Júnior Alonso struggled in the last game, so Alexandro Maidana could debut at left back.
Mauricio, who scored Paraguay’s only goal against the USMNT, might again be on the bench. Paraguay's expected 4-4-2 setup:
Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Maidana; D. Gómez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almirón; Enciso, Sanabria.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
- Date: Friday, June 19 / Early hours of June 20 (BST)
- Kick-off: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST
- Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
Where to Watch:
- United States: Fox Sports, fuboTV, Telemundo, FOX One
- Mexico: ViX Mexico
- Canada: TSN channels, RDS
- United Kingdom: ITV1, STV
Fans worldwide can find broadcasters covering the match, ensuring easy access regardless of location.
