Turkey and Paraguay meet for a crucial encounter in the second round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match kicks off on Saturday 20 June at 4 AM (BST) at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
Both nations will be desperate for a result after losing their opening matches of the tournament. Turkey was defeated by Australia, while Paraguay suffered a heavy loss against the USA, setting up a must-win game for the two sides. This prediction for Turkey vs. Paraguay anticipates a very tense battle.
Discover our expert predictions for this Turkey vs. Paraguay clash.
Match Overview - Turkey vs. Paraguay
- Turkey faced a 2-0 defeat against Australia in their opening World Cup game. Now under pressure, they must secure a positive result to improve their standing.
- Paraguay also looks for their first points after a 4-1 loss to the USA. They need a stronger performance to remain in contention for the next stage.
- As both teams suffered opening losses, this World Cup fixture at Levi’s Stadium is crucial. Neither side can afford another defeat to stay in the competition.
Head-to-Head Record
- This is the first-ever official match between Turkey and Paraguay.
- Turkey have won 14 of their last 21 international matches, showing consistent form.
- Paraguay have secured victory in 9 of their last 21 games across all competitions.
- The Turkish side has been prolific in attack, scoring an average of 2.2 goals in their last ten fixtures.
- Paraguay’s midfielder Julio Enciso was a key creator in their opening match, providing one assist.
- Mauricio Prado scored Paraguay’s only goal in their first game of the tournament after coming on as a substitute.
Turkey's Form and Momentum
Turkey’s World Cup began with a 2-0 loss to Australia, despite a strong run-up to the tournament. Before this, they had won 14 of their last 21 international matches. This included successful qualification and friendly victories.
In their opening game, the team dominated possession but failed to score. The creative influence of midfielders Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler is crucial for their attack. They must improve their finishing to turn pressure into goals.
With no reported injuries, Turkey has a full-strength squad for this must-win encounter. Another defeat would seriously jeopardise their chances of progressing.
Paraguay's Form and Momentum
Paraguay started their World Cup campaign with a heavy 4-1 loss to the USA. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with nine wins from their last 21 matches across all competitions.
The team relies on key players such as Julio Enciso, who assisted their only goal, and Miguel Almirón to create attacking opportunities. Mauricio Prado, who scored as a substitute, could also earn a starting spot after his impact.
Paraguay can’t have Caballero and Sosa in their lineup for this match. Be it as it may, their defence needs significant improvement after conceding four goals in their opening match. A similar performance would likely result in their elimination from the World Cup 2026.
Turkey vs. Paraguay Prediction: Turkey to secure victory
Following their opening loss, Turkey will be determined to prove their attacking strength. With both teams desperate for a victory, an intense start is likely, making "Over 0.5 goals in the first half" a compelling option.
Paraguay’s defence showed significant weaknesses against the USA, conceding four goals. Turkey’s attack will likely create numerous chances and set-pieces, suggesting that the "Over 8.5 corners" market could be a valuable consideration for this encounter.
Considering Turkey’s superior form leading into the tournament and Paraguay’s defensive frailties, our main prediction is a win for Turkey. They have the quality needed to secure three crucial points and revive their World Cup hopes.
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| Over/Under | Over 0.5 goals in the first half | |
| Over/Under | Over 8.5 corners in the match | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
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| Over/Under | Over 0.5 goals in the first half | |
| Over/Under | Over 8.5 corners in the match | |
Where to Watch Turkey vs. Paraguay
For those wondering where to watch Turkey vs. Paraguay, here is the broadcast information:
- TV: UTV (GBR), STV (GBR), ITV X (GBR), ITV 1 (GBR)
- Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR), STV Player
Turkey vs. Paraguay Predicted Lineups
Heading into this important World Cup 2026 clash, the potential team selections provide key insights into tactical approaches. The expected Turkey lineup suggests a strategy aimed at building momentum in the tournament. On the other side, the probable Paraguay lineup will likely focus on establishing a strong presence from the start. Both sides appear ready to field strong teams, with managers considering the best adjustments to gain an edge and secure a positive result in this group stage match.
Turkey
U. Çakır; F. Kadıoğlu, A. Bardakcı, M. Demiral, M. Muldur; K. Yıldız, A. Güler, O.Kökçü, H. Çalhanoğlu, İ. Yüksek; K. Akturkoğlu.
Manager: Vincenzo Montella.
Paraguay
O. Gill; O. Alderete, M. Maidana, J. J. Cáceres, G. Gómez; M. Almirón, D. Gómez, Mauricio, M. Galarza; J. Enciso, I. Pitta.
Manager: Gustavo Alfaro.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Turkey vs. Paraguay
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 20/06/2026
- Kick-off: 4 AM (BST)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, United States
- Broadcast: STV Player, BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR), ITV X (GBR), UTV (GBR), ITV 1 (GBR)
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