Paraguay Defeats Turkey 1-0, United States Secures Group D Top Spot

On 18 June 2026 at Levi’s Stadium, Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0. Matías Galarza scored in first minute; Paraguay played with ten men after Miguel Almirón’s red card, eliminating Turkey and confirming the United States as Group D winners.

The Guardian

Group D started with United States (2-0 over Australia) and Turkey (2-0 loss to Australia) on one point; Paraguay also had one point after a 4-1 loss. Match was the first to enforce FIFA’s mouth-covering rule, prompting Almirón’s dismissal.

The Guardian

Key participants: midfielder Matías Galarza (Atlanta United, on loan from River Plate), goalkeeper Orlando Gill, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro, Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella, and United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, who benefited from the result.

The Guardian

Galarza’s goal was timed at 65 seconds by ESPN and 64 seconds by Al Jazeera. Turkey held 79 % possession and 32 shots; Paraguay had 10 shots, with Gill saving attempts from Demiral, Bardakçi and Uzun. Attendance was about 67,000.

USA Today

The win kept Paraguay’s campaign alive and set a decisive clash with Australia for second place. Turkey’s exit ended its World Cup appearance since 2002, while the United States secured Group D’s top spot and a knockout round berth.

The Guardian

Alfaro said he would accept criticism but urged media to protect his players, noting they would remain. Montella expressed sadness and pride, saying his squad gave everything until the final whistle.

Reuters

Alfaro’s press conference highlighted tension with journalists, accusing them of ‘shooting’ at him while demanding they defend the team. Analysts criticized Turkey’s ‘atrocious finishing,’ noting 32 attempts produced no goal.

Reuters

Fans in the Bay Area created a festive backdrop with drums as Paraguay entered. Approximately 67,000 spectators watched the early goal and the ten-man defensive effort at Levi’s Stadium.

The Guardian

Sources differ on Galarza’s goal timing (65 seconds vs 64 seconds) and on Almirón’s dismissal, described as ‘late in the first half’ and as ‘first-half stoppage time (45+2).’

ESPN

• "It's unforgettable. This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing amongst the best. I'm so proud. I hope that Paraguay is happy." — Matías Galarza, Paraguay midfielder

The Guardian

• "I'm sad but I'm also very proud of my players. They gave absolutely everything right up until the final whistle. That's what football is like." — Vincenzo Montella, Turkey coach

ESPN

• "Criticise me. You can shoot at me but not at them. Protect them. You know why? Because when the World Cup is over, I will be gone, but they will stay." — Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay coach

Reuters

• "Please hit me. Hit me. I'm going to chin up and take all of your punches. But I'm only asking you to defend the players, they are the most valuable asset that the national team has." — Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay coach

Reuters

Paraguay faces Australia Thursday for the runner-up spot; the United States will meet Australia later, and Turkey is eliminated.

Reuters