Paraguay produced one of the most heroic performances of the 2026 World Cup by beating Turkey 1-0 despite playing the entire second half with one man less, a result that keeps their aspirations of qualifying for the round of 32 intact.
The team led by Gustavo Alfaro struck from the start thanks to a goal from Matías Galarza in the 2nd minute, an advantage that ended up being enough to add three points of enormous value in Group D.
The Paraguayan victory also had important consequences in the classification. Türkiye was mathematically eliminated from the tournament, while the United States secured first place in the zone after its previous 2-0 victory against Australia.
The match played in Santa Clara was marked by the expulsion of Miguel Almirón just before half-time. The Paraguayan midfielder became the first player expelled under the so-called “Vinícius Law”, a new regulation implemented by FIFA for this World Cup.
Almirón saw the red card in added time of the first half after the Salvadoran referee Iván Barton reviewed an action alerted by the VAR. The footballer spoke with a rival while covering his mouth, a gesture that from this tournament can be punished with expulsion.
The measure was introduced by FIFA to combat possible insults or inappropriate expressions on the pitch, especially after several high-profile incidents recorded during the European season.
With numerical superiority throughout the second half, Türkiye took control of the ball and constantly put pressure on the goal defended by Orlando Gill. However, the Paraguayan defense resisted each attack and managed to preserve a lead that seemed increasingly fragile as the minutes passed.
The Ottoman team, which arrived at the World Cup with great expectations and figures like Arda Güler, did not find the formula to break the Guarani wall and ended up consummating an unexpected elimination.
Paraguay will arrive with qualification options on the last day. A victory against Australia will guarantee a place in the round of 32. The draw, on the other hand, would not allow them to surpass the Australians due to the goal difference, although they could still aspire to advance as one of the best third parties depending on other results.
The South American team showed character, sacrifice and tactical discipline to stay alive in the World Cup and face their last match of the group stage with hope.
