Türkiye vs Paraguay World Cup Clash: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Türkiye and Paraguay Seek First Victory in World Cup
Both teams face immense pressure heading into their encounter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara after opening the 2026 World Cup with losses. Türkiye, considered Group D favorites alongside the U.S. and Australia, surprisingly fell 2–0 to Australia in their debut match. Paraguay endured a harsher defeat, losing 4–1 to the U.S. in their first game back on the world stage after 16 years.
With no points collected so far, a defeat here could end knockout stage hopes for either side, making this match crucial.
Score Prediction: Türkiye to Secure a Solid Win
Despite last week's setback, Vincenzo Montella's team controlled much of the play against Australia, taking 30 shots but failing to convert. Their recent scoring run, with goals in eight consecutive matches before the World Cup opener, suggests they can find the net against a Paraguayan defense that conceded four goals earlier.
Arda Güler could be the difference-maker with a standout moment, while Paraguay’s offense has struggled to score consistently, managing just one goal in four of their last six games. The talent gap may show itself again.
The teams have only met once before, a goalless friendly in 1995, so there is little familiarity. Türkiye tends to bounce back after losses, having won every match following a defeat since the 2024 Euros, whereas Paraguay’s attack remains unpredictable.
Prediction: Türkiye 2–0 Paraguay
Predicted Türkiye Lineup
Kenan Yıldız, sidelined initially by a calf strain, played 45 minutes last match and looks set to start, possibly replacing Barış Alper Yılmaz to inject energy. Another possible change includes giving 21-year-old Deniz Gül a chance up front instead of Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who struggled to impact the last game.
Lineup (4-2-3-1): Çakir; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Yüksek, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Kökçü, Yıldız; Gül
Predicted Paraguay Lineup
Gustavo Caballero and Ramón Sosa remain doubtful due to injuries, meaning they will likely miss this match. Defender Júnior Alonso had a difficult outing last time, which opens the door for Alexandro Maidana to make his World Cup debut at left back. Mauricio, despite scoring Paraguay's lone goal previously, might come off the bench again.
Lineup (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Maidana; D. Gómez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almirón; Enciso, Sanabria
Match Details and Viewing Information
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
- Date & Time: Friday, June 19 / Saturday, June 20 at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (June 20)
- Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
Broadcast Info
- 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
We think Türkiye will step up with determination and outscore Paraguay to stay alive in this tough group.
