Paraguay upset Turkey 1-0 in their Group D match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 19 in the San Francisco Bay Area, California [1, 2, 3]. Midfielder Matias Galarza scored the fastest goal of the tournament just 64 seconds into the game with a powerful 25-metre shot into the bottom corner [1, 2, 4]. "We showed our quality fighting spirits even with one player down. God wanted this to happen for Paraguay more than ever before," Galarza said after the match [2].

Paraguay’s victory came despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. Midfielder Miguel Almiron was sent off at first-half stoppage time by a straight red card under a new FIFA rule banning players from covering their mouths when speaking in confrontational situations [1, 2, 5]. Almiron was the first player to be dismissed under this rule [1, 5].

Turkey dominated possession, holding around 79% of the ball and firing 32 shots on goal, but failed to convert any chances [2, 3, 6]. Mert Muldur nearly scored with a header that hit the crossbar and post near the 35th minute [3, 7]. Turkish players expressed disappointment. Forward Arda Guler said, "We tried very hard but it didn't work. But we should have scored some goals. We should have won these games ... Everybody's sad, everybody's crying" [3]. Coach Vincenzo Montella added, "I’m sad but I’m also very proud of my players. They gave everything right up until the final whistle. That’s what football’s like" [2].

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several key saves to preserve Paraguay’s lead after Almiron’s dismissal [7]. Paraguay last appeared at a World Cup in 2010, reaching the quarter-finals then [2]. Coach Gustavo Alfaro's decision to start Galarza, who sat out the first match, was widely seen as decisive [3, 7].

The loss eliminated Turkey from the tournament after two group stage defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Australia [2, 3, 6]. The result confirmed the United States as Group D winners, following their earlier 2-0 win against Australia the same day [2, 6]. Paraguay will face Australia in their final group match on June 25, competing for second place [6, 7].