Turkiye vs Paraguay Prediction: A Must-Win for Both
Preview, published 18 June 2026. Kick-off 8pm ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
Türkiye vs Paraguay is a Group D match neither side can afford to lose, and our prediction is a 2-1 Türkiye win, their greater attacking quality just edging a Paraguay team that was overrun in its opener. Both lost their first games, so defeat here would leave either nation needing a near-impossible final-round result to reach the knockout stage.
Update: Paraguay won 1-0, Matias Galarza scoring before Miguel Almiron’s red card, a result that confirmed the USA as group winners. Read our full Turkiye vs Paraguay match report.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Türkiye vs Paraguay, World Cup 2026 Group D |
| Kick-off | 8pm ET, 19 June |
| Venue | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| Group D so far | USA 3pts, Australia 3pts, Türkiye 0pts, Paraguay 0pts |
| Our prediction | Türkiye 2-1 Paraguay |
What is at stake
Türkiye were beaten 2-0 by Australia in a flat opening display that wasted their attacking talent, while Paraguay were dismantled 4-1 by the United States. Both sit on zero points at the bottom of Group D, and with USA and Australia meeting in the day’s other game, the loser here will almost certainly be out of the tournament. It is, in everything but name, a knockout match.
Players to watch
For Türkiye, Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız offer the creativity to unlock a stubborn defence, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu pulling the strings from deeper. For Paraguay, Miguel Almirón is the standout, a player capable of carrying the side single-handedly, supported by the running of Julio Enciso and the directness of Antonio Sanabria.
Our Turkiye vs Paraguay prediction and verdict
Paraguay showed fight even in defeat to the United States, but Türkiye have the sharper individuals and cannot afford to be as passive as they were against Australia. We expect them to take the initiative and win 2-1, a result that would keep their qualification hopes alive into the final round while leaving Paraguay on the brink.
What is next
Both sides close Group D against USA and Australia in the final round. See the day’s other games in our June 19 preview, revisit Türkiye’s opener in our Australia vs Türkiye report and Paraguay’s in our USA vs Paraguay report, and check the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide. Read our full Turkiye vs Paraguay match report for the goals, key moments and what it means for the group.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prediction for Türkiye vs Paraguay?
Our prediction is a 2-1 Türkiye win. Their attacking quality should just edge a Paraguay side that struggled against the United States, in a game both must win.
When and where is Türkiye vs Paraguay?
Türkiye vs Paraguay kicks off at 8pm ET on 19 June 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, in World Cup 2026 Group D.
Why is Türkiye vs Paraguay so important?
Both teams lost their openers and sit on zero points. With the United States and Australia on three each, the loser here is almost certain to exit the World Cup.
Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D.
