Group D’s Turkey vs Paraguay was the spiciest match of the World Cup so far. The World Cup’s earliest goal so far, within about 80 seconds to kick off was all Paraguay needed to keep themselves in the hunt for the knockout stages. The same can’t be said for Turkey who are officially out of contention for the knockout stage. That early goal gave Paraguay a safety as they had a player sent off for the new FIFA crime of covering your mouth so no one can guess what you’re saying. Paraguay held on magnificently as Turkey continually lost their patience with a game where they had as much ball and territory as they could have asked for to win. There were flares ups throughout the game, and we imagine the referee was glad to see the end of the game. It had almost everything, apart from Turkey goals and progress to knockouts. Perhaps they shouldn’t be so dismissive of Group D competitors net time.
This Turkey vs Paraguay Match Centre Express Summary has just enough stats and colour from game to give you a taste of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash.
Like the John West of Football stats, The Gurgler trawled the internet to find the quickest, easiest stats just for you. To give you just the taste of stats you need to impress friends and/or family.
BEST OF STATS
Turkey are now three losses from three games v South American teams at the World Cup.
The only goal of the game was also the quickest goal of the World Cup so far.
Turkey have topped both Rounds 1 and 2 for shots at goal. Their 32 in this game equals Canada’s effort against Qatar.
REST OF STATS
The two teams who lost their opening games meet in the second round of Group Stage and both were disappointing in their own special way. Turkey’s arrogance got the better of them v Australia, as Australia killed all their chances and surprised them with efficiency. Paraguay were blown away by a red-hot host nation in USA. This 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D Turkey vs Paraguay Match Centre will provide an overview of the before and after with a Pre-Game Summary, Match Review and Post-Match stats.
Turkey vs Paraguay Preview
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner.
| Turkey | 52.7% | Paraguay | 47.3% |
The ratings gives it to Turkey, just. The 47.5-52.5 cut off for a draw is nearby.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
Turkey are two losses from two games v South American teams at the World Cup, but both games were v Brazil.
Paraguay’s goal v USA was the first at a World Cup in four games.
Paraguay had one shot on target in their first game of the 2026 World Cup and scored one, Turkey had eight shots on target and scored none.
Paraguay come into this match after winning their last two international games v UEFA nations.
MATCH PREDICTION
TURKEY 1 PARAGUAY 0
