Kenya Sport

Turkiye and Paraguay Clash in Crucial World Cup Group D Matchup

Both Türkiye and Paraguay are hunting for their first victory of the 2026 World Cup when they meet on Friday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Each team suffered defeats in their opening games, placing immense pressure on this encounter as both sides try to avoid an early exit.

Türkiye entered the tournament favored to lead Group D, which also includes the U.S. men’s national team and Australia. The European squad, returning to the World Cup after a 24-year absence, stumbled against Australia in a surprising 2–0 loss. Paraguay experienced an even harsher defeat, falling 4–1 to the USMNT. Manager Gustavo Alfaro described that loss as a "very painful lesson" for a nation making its return after 16 years.

With zero points apiece, both teams must find a way to secure a win. Another defeat would likely end their chances of advancing, making Friday’s clash a must-win game.

Score Prediction: Türkiye Expected to Bounce Back Strongly

Türkiye showed promise despite their setback, controlling much of the play and firing 30 shots against Australia but lacking the finishing touch. Their recent record suggests resilience; since the 2024 Euros, they have always followed a loss with a win, never dropping back-to-back matches since June 2024.

On the other hand, Paraguay’s attack has been inconsistent. In four of their last six games, they managed just a single goal. The gap in individual talent might decide the outcome here, with Türkiye likely to capitalize on Paraguay’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The only previous meeting between these teams was a scoreless friendly in 1995, so neither side holds familiarity over the other.

Prediction:Türkiye 2–0 Paraguay

Projected Starting Lineups

Kenan Yıldız, who missed the opener due to a calf strain, could start this match after playing 45 minutes off the bench last week. He may replace Barış Alper Yılmaz to inject more energy into the attack. Deniz Gül is also expected to come in for Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who struggled to make an impact previously.

Türkiye predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Çakir; Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Yüksek, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Kökçü, Yıldız; Gül.

Gustavo Caballero remains sidelined with a muscle injury, missing his second consecutive match. Ramón Sosa is doubtful due to ankle discomfort. Júnior Alonso’s poor performance last time opens the door for Alexandro Maidana to make his World Cup debut at left back. Mauricio is likely to be a substitute despite scoring Paraguay's lone goal against the U.S.

Paraguay predicted lineup (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Maidana; D. Gómez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almirón; Enciso, Sanabria.

Match Details and Viewing Information

Location: Santa Clara, United StatesStadium: Levi’s StadiumDate & 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 (SLV)

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

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