Kenan Yildiz is back in Turkey’s starting eleven after a controversial absence against Australia, and he promises to shake up the standings in Group D of the 2026 World Cup. The clash between Turkey and Paraguay, scheduled for this morning in Santa Clara, is already viewed as crucial for both teams’ aspirations, following surprising and disappointing opening losses.
Turkey, which secured a historic third place in 2002, was defeated 2-0 by Australia in their first match—a result that caught everyone off guard and immediately placed pressure on Vincenzo Montella’s squad. Meanwhile, Paraguay, known as “La Albirroja,” suffered an even heavier defeat, being thrashed 4-1 by the hosts, the United States. Now, both teams enter this encounter aware that only victory will suffice, or they risk seriously jeopardizing their goal of reaching the knockout stage.
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The importance of this match is undeniable: whoever loses will be practically eliminated from the knockout stage, while a draw may not be enough to guarantee progression, considering the good form of the United States and the tight schedule of the group. Turkey, which has never lost consecutive matches in a single World Cup edition, faces the specter of a prolonged crisis, while Paraguay risks repeating the nightmare of 2006, when it was eliminated in the group stage after two consecutive defeats.
Vincenzo Montella, the Italian coach in charge of Turkey and only the second manager to lead the national team at both the European Championship and the World Cup (after Senol Gunes), has placed a strong emphasis on the return of Kenan Yildiz, explaining after the last training session: “Kenan was not at 100% physically against Australia, but now he is ready and motivated to help the team. We need attitude, intensity, and quality, and I believe he can be decisive.” In the same vein, Turkish captain Hakan Calhanoglu emphasized that “this group has already shown what it is capable of and will not give up because of a poor result.”
On the Paraguayan side, the coach had to manage several physical doubts: Gustavo Caballero and Ramón Sosa, both carrying knocks, started on the bench, while Matías Galarza and Isidro Pitta were the surprise selections in the starting eleven. The coach did not hide his frustration after the heavy defeat against the United States, but assured: “We will show a different face. We believe in our worth and want to keep the Paraguayan dream alive.”
Turkish and Paraguayan fans can watch the match live from 04:00 BST (one hour less in Lisbon), with coverage provided by ITV1 and streaming available on the digital platforms ITV and ITVX. The statistics promise a balanced duel: this is the first encounter between Turkey and Paraguay in a World Cup, with the only previous meeting, a friendly in 1995, ending in a goalless draw. Turkey has lost nine of its last thirteen matches in major tournaments, but has never lost two consecutive matches in a World Cup finals. Paraguay, on the other hand, has only won twice in fourteen World Cup matches against European teams, although both victories have come on neutral ground.
Individually, all eyes will be on Julio Enciso, the young Paraguayan prospect, who could become the first player since Romerito in 1986 to score or assist in both of his first two matches in a World Cup for Paraguay. On the Turkish side, Kenan Yildiz and Arda Güler are seen as the main offensive weapons to try to reverse the negative cycle.
If Turkey wins, it could reignite its hopes for qualification and gain momentum for the final group match. However, a defeat could lead to significant changes and a shake-up in Montella’s project. For Paraguay, only a positive result will keep alive the hope of reaching the knockout stage and avoid another early elimination. The match in Santa Clara promises strong emotions, dramatic decisions, and perhaps the emergence of new heroes in World Cup history.
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