Turkey and Paraguay meet at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on 19 June 2026, in a Group D fixture that carries significant knockout-stage implications for both sides.
Both teams lost their opening matches and arrive into Matchday 9 knowing that defeat here would almost certainly end their World Cup campaigns.
This article covers the Turkey vs Paraguay prediction, match preview, team news, confirmed lineups, and best bets for this critical Group D clash.
What’s At Stake
Turkey sit third in Group D with zero points after a 2-0 defeat to Australia, while Paraguay are fourth following a 4-1 loss to the United States. A win here keeps the victorious side in realistic contention for a top-two finish; a draw leaves both teams needing a miracle on Matchday 10. This is, in effect, a must-win match for both nations.
Verdict
Turkey are the pick at 1/1, backed by a stronger qualifying record, a deeper squad of Europe-based talent, and Paraguay’s heavy 4-1 opening defeat exposing real defensive fragility. That even-money price represents reasonable value for a Turkey side that scored 19 goals across eight qualifying matches and will be desperate to respond after their own opening-day setback.
Turkey vs Paraguay Match Preview
Turkey return to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, making this their third appearance in the tournament overall. Their 2002 campaign, when they finished third, remains the benchmark, and manager Vincenzo Montella arrived into 2026 qualifying with a squad blending experienced internationals and genuinely exciting young talent.
Paraguay, under Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, are back at the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Their best-ever finish remains the quarter-finals in 2010, and Alfaro’s side qualified through CONMEBOL with a solid if unspectacular record. The 4-1 opening loss to the United States was, however, a concerning result that raises questions about their defensive organisation at this level.
With the stakes this clear, both sides will approach this fixture with attacking intent. Turkey’s attacking depth, featuring players from Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Fenerbahce, gives them a significant edge in quality. Paraguay will rely on experience from Miguel Almiron and the creative threat of Julio Enciso, but they arrive into this game as the side with more to rebuild after Matchday 9.
Turkey vs Paraguay Team Form
Turkey last five results:
- Australia (A): Lost 2-0 – FIFA World Cup
- Venezuela (N): Won 2-1 – Friendly
- North Macedonia (H): Won 4-0 – Friendly
- Kosovo (A): Won 1-0 – World Cup Qualification
- Romania (H): Won 1-0 – World Cup Qualification
Turkey’s pre-tournament form was encouraging, with wins over Venezuela and a 4-0 demolition of North Macedonia among their recent outings. Their qualifying campaign yielded six wins from eight matches, scoring 19 goals. The Australia defeat was a reality check, but the underlying quality in Montella’s squad remains evident.
Paraguay last five results:
- United States (A): Lost 4-1 – FIFA World Cup
- Nicaragua (H): Won 4-0 – Friendly
- Morocco (N): Lost 1-2 – Friendly
- Greece (A): Won 1-0 – Friendly
- Mexico (N): Won 2-1 – Friendly
Paraguay’s pre-tournament preparation showed occasional promise, with wins over Nicaragua, Greece, and Mexico. However, the 4-1 hammering by the United States was alarming. Their CONMEBOL qualifying record of three wins, two draws, and one loss from six games suggests a team that can grind out results, but the defensive performance in their opening World Cup fixture is a serious concern.
Turkey vs Paraguay Team News
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella has named his confirmed starting XI, with Hakan Çalhanoglu marshalling the midfield alongside Ismail Yüksek in a double pivot. Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz provide creative spark in advanced areas, while Kerem Aktürkoglu starts in attack. Notably, Zeki Celik does not start, with Mert Müldür taking the right-back position. No significant injury concerns have been reported for players in the confirmed lineup.
Paraguay’s Gustavo Alfaro has also confirmed his starting XI following the 4-1 defeat to the United States, with changes made defensively. Antonio Sanabria does not feature in the confirmed lineup, with Isidro Pitta partnering Julio Enciso up front. Miguel Almirón starts in midfield. Matías Galarza also comes into the side. No specific suspensions have been confirmed ahead of this fixture.
Turkey vs Paraguay Confirmed Lineups
The starting XIs for both sides have been confirmed.
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Ugurcan Çakir; Mert Müldür, Merih Demiral, Abdülkerim Bardakçi, Ferdi Kadioglu; Hakan Çalhanoglu, Ismail Yüksek; Yunus Akgün, Arda Güler, Kenan Yildiz; Kerem Aktürkoglu
Paraguay (4-4-2): Orlando Gil; Juan Jose Cáceres, Júnior Alonso, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete; Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, Miguel Almirón; Julio Enciso, Isidro Pitta
Key Tactical Matchup
The central battle likely to shape this fixture is Hakan Çalhanoglu against Paraguay’s midfield defensive line. Çalhanoglu, with 105 caps and 22 international goals to his name, is Turkey’s creative heartbeat and set-piece specialist. He dictates tempo for Inter Milan and will look to do the same here. Paraguay’s Andrés Cubas and Diego Gómez will need to press high and deny him time on the ball. If Çalhanoglu is given space in deep positions, he has the range of passing and shooting to unlock a Paraguay defence that conceded four against the United States.
Turkey vs Paraguay Best Bets
Main pick:
- Turkey to win @ 1/1. Turkey’s squad depth, European pedigree, and the pressure Paraguay face after a 4-1 opening defeat all point towards a Turkish victory. With 19 qualifying goals and real quality across the pitch, Montella’s side should have enough to take three points here.
Goals market:
- Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5. Both teams arrive having conceded in their opening fixture, with Paraguay shipping four and Turkey conceding two. With both sides needing a win, an open and attacking game is the most likely outcome. The over 2.5 line at 6/5 reflects that well.
Scorer market:
- Kerem Aktürkoglu to score anytime. Aktürkoglu is Turkey’s most prolific recent scorer and brings directness and clinical finishing from wide positions. Paraguay’s defence showed clear vulnerabilities against the United States and Aktürkoglu’s pace and movement could be decisive here.
Bet builder option:
- Turkey to win and over 2.5 goals. Combining a Turkey win with the over 2.5 goals line in a Turkey vs Paraguay bet builder reflects the attacking approach both sides are likely to take, and acknowledges that Paraguay will look to threaten in forward areas even as they chase the game.
Turkey vs Paraguay Odds Across Operators
The best available Turkey vs Paraguay betting odds across leading operators are summarised below.
| Outcome | Best Price |
|---|---|
| Turkey (Home) | 1/1 |
| Draw | 5/2 |
| Paraguay (Away) | 10/3 |
Turkey are the narrow favourites at even money, with the draw available at 5/2 and Paraguay priced as outsiders at 10/3. Given the stakes for both sides, the match odds represent a reasonable starting point for those looking to explore the Turkey vs Paraguay accumulator or single-match markets.
How to Watch and How to Bet
How to Watch
Turkey vs Paraguay will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV and available to stream via ITVX. Kick-off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is at 20:00 local time (UTC-7), which translates to 04:00 BST on 20 June 2026. Check your local listings to confirm coverage details.
How to Bet
If you are looking to place a bet on this match, the following steps will help you get started with leading operators.
- Compare the best available Turkey vs Paraguay odds across multiple operators before placing any bet.
- Check whether you are eligible for any current welcome or deposit offers before registering.
- Create an account with your chosen operator, providing the required identification details.
- Make a deposit using your preferred payment method.
- Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section and locate the Turkey vs Paraguay match.
- Select your preferred market, whether that is the match result, goals, scorers, or a bet builder.
- Enter your stake and review your bet slip carefully before confirming.
- Keep track of the match through the ITV or ITVX coverage and check your account for settlement after the final whistle.
Responsible Gambling
Betting should always be approached as a form of entertainment, not as a source of income. Set a budget before you place any bets and stick to it, regardless of results.
If you feel that your gambling is becoming difficult to control, free and confidential support is available. In the UK, you can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk and Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk also provide support for those affected by problem gambling.
Never chase losses, and remember that no prediction, however well-reasoned, comes with any guarantee. Bet responsibly and within your means.
