SANTA CLARA — Matias Galarza scored the fastest goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 and Paraguay held on with 10 men to beat Turkey 1-0 on Friday, eliminating the European side from the tournament.
Galarza found the net just 65 seconds into the match, giving Paraguay a crucial victory that kept its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive while confirming the United States as Group D winner.
The Atlanta United midfielder, who was left out of Paraguay’s opening defeat to the United States, rewarded coach Gustavo Alfaro’s decision to start him by firing a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area into the net after only 1 minute and 5 seconds.
“It’s unforgettable,” Galarza said. “This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing amongst the best. I’m so proud.”
Paraguay’s task became significantly more difficult late in the first half when Miguel Almirón was sent off after becoming the first player dismissed under a new World Cup rule banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations.
Almirón exchanged words with Turkey defender Mert Müldür following a foul near midfield and covered his mouth while speaking. After a video review, referee Iván Barton issued a straight red card.
Reduced to 10 men for the entire second half, Paraguay relied heavily on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve the lead.
Turkey dominated possession and outshot Paraguay 32-7, but once again struggled to convert chances.
Gill denied Merih Demiral early in the second half, saved Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range effort and later kept out Can Uzun from close range before Deniz Gül sent the rebound wide.
Demiral’s late header drifted wide in stoppage time, ending Turkey’s final opportunity to rescue a point.
“We have to highlight the great group effort and commitment we showed as a team to keep fighting until the end,” Paraguay midfielder Andrés Cubas said.
Turkey suffered its second consecutive defeat after losing 2-0 to Australia in its opening match, ending the country’s hopes of advancing from the group stage in its first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler described Turkey’s tournament performance as “embarrassing” after the team failed to score in its first two matches despite producing 62 shots, the most attempts by any team in a two-game span without scoring since records began in 1966, according to Opta.
“We should have scored some goals,” Güler said. “We should have won these games, so apologies to the Turkish people.”
Paraguay, which lost 4-1 to the United States in its opener, will face Australia in its final group match next week with second place in Group D still at stake. Turkey, meanwhile, exits the tournament without a point.
“I’m sad, but I’m also very proud of my players,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said. “They gave absolutely everything right up until the final whistle.”
Source: Saudi Gazette