Turkey and Paraguay will both be desperate to bounce back from disappointing opening-day defeats when they meet at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. With neither side having a point on the board, this Group D encounter already carries huge significance for their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Match News and Current Form

Turkey suffered one of the most frustrating defeats of matchday one, losing 2-0 to Australia despite producing an astonishing 30 shots. It was the highest number of attempts recorded by a team without scoring in a World Cup match in normal time since 1974, underlining just how wasteful the Crescent Stars were in front of goal.

The defeat continued a concerning trend at major tournaments, where Turkey have now lost nine of their last 13 matches (W4). However, there are reasons for optimism. Prior to their setback against Australia, Vincenzo Montella’s side had not lost since September and had avoided consecutive defeats since March 2024.

Paraguay endured an even heavier defeat, falling 4-1 to co-hosts USA. Alarmingly, the three goals they conceded before the interval matched the number they had allowed in the first half across their previous 16 World Cup matches combined.

Despite that collapse, La Albirroja have a strong history of recovering at major tournaments. They have progressed from the group stage in four of their last five World Cup appearances, including a run to the quarter-finals in 2010. Before the defeat to the United States, Paraguay had also gone unbeaten in their previous four World Cup group matches (W2, D2), keeping three clean sheets.

Head-to-Head

The only previous meeting between these nations came in a friendly in June 1995, which ended in a goalless draw.

Paraguay’s record against European opposition at the World Cup is less encouraging, however, with just two victories from their last 14 matches against UEFA nations (D5, L7).

Key Players

Yunus Akgün could be a key figure for Turkey after scoring the winner in their final pre-tournament friendly against Venezuela. Interestingly, all four of his international goals have come in victories for his country.

For Paraguay, Maurício will be hoping to build on his consolation goal against the USA. Notably, it was the only one of his last six goals for club and country to arrive after half-time.

Team News

Both managers appear to have full squads available, with no fresh injury concerns reported following the opening round of fixtures.

Stats That Matter

• Only one of Turkey’s last five matches has seen both teams score.
• Prior to their defeat against Australia, Turkey scored in either the 53rd or 54th minute in five consecutive games.
• Nine of Paraguay’s last ten World Cup matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
• The team that scored first in each of Paraguay’s last seven matches went on to win.

Betting Analysis

This fixture has all the ingredients of an open contest. Both sides know that another defeat could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, meaning neither can afford to settle for a draw if the opportunity to win presents itself.

Turkey’s attacking numbers against Australia suggest they are creating plenty of chances, while Paraguay’s defensive vulnerabilities were brutally exposed by the USA. Although Paraguay’s World Cup matches have traditionally been low-scoring affairs, the circumstances surrounding this encounter could force both teams to take more risks than usual.

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals

With both nations under pressure to secure their first points of the tournament and possessing attacking players capable of making a difference, an entertaining contest featuring at least three goals looks a strong possibility in California.