Ten-man Paraguay stun Turkey: Galarza settles it in the 2nd minute
Matías Galarza's early goal and a heroic stand with ten men give Paraguay an epic Group D win at the 2026 World Cup.
Paraguay produced a remarkable feat at Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium, beating Turkey 0-1 despite playing more than half the match a man down, in a thrilling Group D clash of the 2026 World Cup. The goal came in the 2nd minute: Matías Galarza finished off an assist from Julio Enciso to put La Albirroja ahead, and from then on they clung to the lead with everything they had.
Paraguay's heroics are spelled out in the cards. Galarza himself, the goal hero, was booked in the 4th, and the game grew far harder when Miguel Almirón was sent off in the 45th, leaving Paraguay with ten for the entire second half. Turkey, with the pressure in their favour, saw Vincenzo Montella cautioned in the 63rd and Eren Elmali in the 71st, yet never managed to break down a committed defence.
Levi's Stadium, a modern arena in the heart of Silicon Valley and home of the San Francisco 49ers, hosted a tension-filled World Cup match before 68,827 spectators. Santa Clara, on the California bay, witnessed one of the day's most deserving rearguard actions.
Vincenzo Montella lined Turkey up in a talent-laden 4-2-3-1, with Uğurcan Çakır in goal, Hakan Çalhanoğlu pulling the strings and young gem Arda Güler alongside Kenan Yıldız seeking creativity, but the Guaraní wall held firm. Gustavo Alfaro replied with a 4-4-2, Orlando Gill in goal, centre-backs Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete as bastions and a decisive Enciso with the assist.
In the Group D standings, the three points launch Paraguay into the qualification race at this 48-team 2026 World Cup, a win that tastes like gold given the circumstances, while Turkey suffer a harsh blow on their opener despite enjoying a numerical advantage throughout the second half.