Paraguay edge Turkey as early exit confirmed

Paraguay kept their World Cup hopes alive with a determined 1-0 victory over Turkey, who became the first team eliminated from the tournament. Matías Galarza struck after only 65 seconds, seizing on a misplaced pass and driving a long‑range effort beyond Ugurcan Cakir to stun a Turkish side returning to the competition after 24 years. Turkey responded with pressure and created several chances, including Mert Muldur’s header that hit both post and bar, but their finishing repeatedly failed them.

Paraguay’s task grew harder just before halftime when Miguel Almirón was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, leaving them to defend with ten men for the entire second half. Despite the numerical advantage, Turkey lacked precision, with Deniz Gul, Can Uzun and Merih Demiral all missing late opportunities. Paraguay held firm to claim their eighth group‑stage win in World Cup history and remain well positioned to advance.