How 10-Man Paraguay Pulled Off a Shocking Group D Upset Over Turkey

In one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 World Cup, ten-man Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on June 19, scoring the tournament's fastest goal before holding on under a second-half siege. The result eliminated Turkey from their first World Cup in 24 years and kept Paraguay alive in Group D ahead of a winner-take-all final match against Australia.

Fastest Goal of the Tournament

The match's only goal came after just 64 seconds. Midfielder Matías Galarza intercepted a misplaced pass from the Turkish defense and unleashed a powerful low left-footed strike from 25 meters that flew past the helpless goalkeeper. It was the quickest goal of the 2026 World Cup, breaking the previous mark of 71 seconds set by Morocco's Ismael Saibari earlier the same day.

Miguel Almirón's Historic Red Card

Paraguay's task became significantly harder in first-half stoppage time when Miguel Almirón became the first player sent off under FIFA's new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations. After a foul near midfield, Almirón and Turkey's Mert Muldur exchanged words, and Almirón briefly covered his mouth while speaking. Following a VAR review by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton, Almirón was shown a straight red card.

The rule, passed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), states that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation can be penalized. The dismissal came in the third minute of first-half added time.

Paraguay's Defensive Stand

Despite playing with ten men for the entire second half, Paraguay produced a heroic defensive performance. Turkey dominated the match, registering 33 shot attempts — the most by any team in a losing effort in the tournament — but could not find an equalizer. Paraguay's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper and back line, absorbed wave after wave of Turkish attacks to secure the 1-0 win.

The result was especially impressive given Paraguay's crushing 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening match just a week earlier.

Group D Standings and Implications

The win completely reshuffled Group D. After Matchday 2, the standings were:

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	GD
1	United States (y)	6	2	+5
2	Australia	3	2	0
3	Paraguay	3	2	-2
4	Turkey (e)	0	2	-3

(y = qualified as group winners; e = eliminated)

Turkey Eliminated: The defeat was Turkey's second in a row, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance since 2002. Despite the attacking effort against Paraguay, they leave the tournament without a single point.

United States Confirmed as Group Winners: With six points from two matches, the United States secured first place in Group D and advanced to the round of 32 as group winners.

What's at Stake: Paraguay vs Australia

All attention now turns to the final Group D matchday on June 25, where Paraguay faces Australia for the second-place spot in the group.

• Paraguay needs a win to leapfrog Australia and claim second place.
• Australia needs only a draw to secure second place on points.
• The winner advances to the knockout stage; the loser goes home.