Türkiye vs Paraguay: World Cup 2026 Preview

Introduction

Türkiye’s first World Cup since 2002 (when they famously finished 3rd!) meets Paraguay, returning after 16 years away.

Match Overview

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group D, Matchday 1
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Kick-off: 11:00 AM ET / 8:30 AM IST

Build-Up

Türkiye under Vincenzo Montella enjoyed a stellar Euro 2024 (quarter-final). Arda Güler (Real Madrid) is their generational talent.

Paraguay under Gustavo Alfaro qualified after a hard battle. Miguel Almirón, Antonio Sanabria, and Julio Enciso lead the attack.

Predicted Lineups

🇹🇷 Türkiye (4-2-3-1): Çakır; Müldür, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek; Güler, Akturkoğlu, Yıldız; Yılmaz

🇵🇾 Paraguay (4-4-2): Coronel; Espinoza, Alderete, Balbuena, Alonso; Almirón, Cubas, V. Ríos, Enciso; Sanabria, Sosa

Key Players

• Arda Güler (TUR): Real Madrid wonderkid.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu (TUR): Inter Milan midfielder.
• Miguel Almirón (PAR): Newcastle winger.
• Julio Enciso (PAR): Brighton attacker.

Match Prediction

Türkiye 2-1 Paraguay. Güler’s quality decides it. Almirón finds a counter-attack moment.

🇹🇷 vs 🇵🇾 — Arda Güler announces himself in Philadelphia! Türkiye’s first World Cup in 24 years! ⚽ #TURvPAR #WorldCup2026