Montella seeks first win: prediction for Turkey vs Paraguay - 20.06.2026
The national teams of Turkey and Paraguay will face off on June 20, 2026, in the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage. Both sides opened the tournament with defeats, but the manner of their losses was distinctly different: Turkey piled on the pressure and squandered numerous chances, while Paraguay collapsed defensively and now find themselves under urgent pressure to turn things around.
Turkey: plenty of chances, but lacking composure
Turkey entered the World Cup with a reputation as one of the tournament’s potential dark horses. However, their unbeaten streak of eight games came to a halt in the opening match, falling 0-2 to Australia - even though Vincenzo Montella’s side certainly didn’t look hopeless in terms of their performance.
The main issue was finishing. Turkey fired 30 shots at goal, dominated possession with nearly 70%, but failed to score, setting an unwelcome record for World Cups in the 21st century. Arda Güler alone took eight shots - the highest by any player at that stage of the tournament - but even his tireless efforts weren’t enough to deliver a result.
Paraguay: defense cracked far too early
Paraguay kicked off their World Cup campaign with a heavy 1-4 loss to the United States. Gustavo Alfaro bet on youth and pace, but the usually reliable "Guaraní" defense fell apart in the very first match: the team couldn’t handle the opponent’s tempo and, for the first time since June 2024, conceded four goals.
The problems weren’t limited to the back line. Paraguay managed just 0.47 xG and scored with their only shot on target - a worrying sign for a team hoping to advance from the group. Changes are expected after such a poor start: Roberto Fernandez could be brought in as goalkeeper, while Alexandr Maidana and Alejandro Romero may get their chance outfield.
Probable lineups
- Turkey: Çakır, Kadioglu, Bardakcı, Demiral, Çelik, Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek, Yıldız, Kökçü, Güler, Aktürkoğlu.
- Paraguay: Fernandez, Cáceres, Gomez, Alderete, Maidana, Romero, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almirón, Cesar Enciso, Sanabria.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Turkey had 30 shots against Australia but lost 0-2.
- Paraguay lost 1-4 to the USA in the opening round and created just 0.47 xG.
- The only previous meeting between Turkey and Paraguay ended in a goalless draw.
Pressure must turn into goals: prediction for Turkey vs Paraguay
Turkey lost their first match, but their performance was far from a disaster. The team controlled possession, applied constant pressure, and regularly threatened the opposition’s box - they just lacked a clinical finish and needed more reliability between the sticks. If Montella maintains the structure and brings Kenan Yıldız into the starting lineup, the attack should become even sharper.
Paraguay, after their outing against the USA, look much more vulnerable. Alfaro’s side is used to playing on the counter, but an early goal against them can derail their plan, and their own attack hasn’t produced enough chances so far. Turkey will press again, and this time they have a strong opportunity to turn territorial dominance into a result.
