Turkiye vs Paraguay Prediction: Who Will Win The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D Clash?

Turkey will take on Paraguay in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match on Saturday, June 20. Both teams will be desperate for their first points of the tournament and eager to increase their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

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Turkey entered the World Cup as one of the favourites in Group D, but their campaign opened with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Australia. Montella’s side now faces the pressure of bouncing back and not falling further behind in the group standings.

Paraguay also started on a disappointing note, losing 4-1 to the hosts USA. The South American side will now be looking to bounce back quickly and produce a strong performance against the European nation.

After losing their opening matches, both Turkiye and Paraguay head into this Group D clash knowing that a defeat could seriously damage their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. With the USA and Australia already on three points, this match has become a must-win contest for both sides.

A victory would put either team back in the race for qualification and give them momentum heading into the final group game. However, a draw would leave both nations with just one point from two matches, making their path to the Round of 32 extremely difficult and leaving them heavily reliant on results elsewhere.

Turkey and Paraguay have only ever met once before in senior men’s international football. That meeting was a friendly in 2014, ending in a 2-2 draw.

Turkiye vs Paraguay: Team News

Young star Kenan Yildiz, who missed the opening match against Australia due to a calf injury, won’t feature in the match as he is yet to recover. If he is not fit in time, more pressure will fall on Arda Guler, who arrives at the World Cup after an impressive season with Real Madrid.

Paraguay also has injury concerns ahead of the match. Gustavo Caballero missed the defeat to the USA due to a muscle problem, while Ramon Sosa remains doubtful because of an ankle injury.

Turkiye vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction

Turkey should have enough quality to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Australia. With players like Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu capable of making the difference in key moments, Vincenzo Montella’s side will fancy their chances against a Paraguay team that looked vulnerable defensively in their 4-1 loss to the USA. Paraguay have attacking threats of their own through Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso, but Turkey’s overall squad depth and experience could prove decisive.

Prediction: Turkiye 2-1 Paraguay

Turkiye vs Paraguay Probable starting XI

Türkiye Probable starting XI

Goalkeeper: Johny Placide
Defenders: Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Adé, Hannes Delcroix, Martin Expérience
Midfielder: Don Deedson, Jean Jacques, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Ruben Providence
Forwards: Wilson Isidor, Frantzdy Pierrot

Paraguay Probable starting XI

Goalkeeper: Orlando Gill
Defenders: Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Júnior Alonso
Midfielders: Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Miguel Almirón, Matías Galarza
Forwards: Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso