Notícia

Paraguay and Türkiye duel under pressure for recovery in the World Cup

Por Equipe Editorial CifraNET · 19/06/2026

Paraguay and Turkey enter the field this Saturday (20), at 0:00 (Brasília time), in the second round of group D of the World Cup with little room for error. Defeated in their debut, both teams need victory to continue with a good chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

Turkey were surprised by Australia and lost 2-0 in Vancouver. Paraguay suffered a tough 4-1 defeat to the United States, one of the tournament's host countries, in Los Angeles.

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Australian players celebrate the second goal scored against Turkey in the World Cup - Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

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Nestory Irankunda, from Australia, celebrating the goal scored against Turkey, in the World Cup - Stu Forster/Getty Images

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Australian players celebrating the goal against Turkey, in the first round game of the World Cup - Stu Forster/Getty Images

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Australia x Türkiye, in a duel valid for the first round of the World Cup - Stu Forster/Getty Images

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Shirt of Harry Souttar, captain of Australia in the World Cup game against Turkey - Reproduction/X/@Socceroos

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Australian fans in the duel against Turkey, valid for the first round of the World Cup - Reproduction/X/@Socceroos

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Turkey fan holds an Australian kangaroo before the duel between the two teams for the World Cup - Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images

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With the United States and Australia facing each other this Friday (19), at 4 pm, the situation in group D will become clearer before the ball rolls at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Still, a new defeat to the Turks or Paraguayans would make the classification quite complicated, increasing dependence on other results.

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LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES - JUNE 12: Giovanni Reyna of USA celebrates 4-1 with Weston McKennie of USA during the World Cup match between USA v Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles United States (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) - Getty Images

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Mauricio, from Paraguay, celebrating his goal against the United States - Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

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Folarin Balogun, striker from the United States, celebrating his goal against Paraguay, in the World Cup - Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

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United States players celebrating the goal scored against Paraguay, in the first round of the World Cup - Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

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Bobadilla, from São Paulo, scores an own goal in United States x Paraguay - Harry How/Getty Images

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United States x Paraguay in the World Cup - (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

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United States x Paraguay at the World Cup - (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

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United States x Paraguay in the World Cup - (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Seen as the North Americans' main rival in the bracket, Turkey returned to the World Cup after 24 years led by the experienced Hakan Çalhanoğlu and young Arda Güler, a Real Madrid standout. However, the team led by Vincenzo Montella found it difficult to face the solid Australian defense and ended up defeated despite largely dominating possession.

Paraguay's return to the World Cup after 16 years was even more frustrating. Gustavo Alfaro's team saw its traditional defensive organization collapse against the United States and ended the match with five players cautioned with a yellow card, including attacking midfielder Miguel Almirón.

In addition to the negative result, the Paraguayans will have to control their discipline. Any of the five cautioned athletes who receives another yellow card will be suspended for the final round clash against Australia.

Against the North Americans, Paraguay suffered from counterattacks and will need to present more balance against a technically superior team. Hope lies in the creativity of Julio Enciso, responsible for assisting the team's only goal in the debut, scored by Mauricio.

Gustavo Alfaro believes that the emotional weight of returning to the World Cup may have influenced the team's performance against the United States. Therefore, he asked his players for more concentration for the decisive duel against Turkey.

"You have to leave emotions aside, because in the World Cup you have to think about decisions, do the right things and stay focused", said the coach.

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Source: CNN