Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Paraguay returns to the World Cup after 16 years while Turkey makes their third consecutive appearance in this Group D second round clash. Paraguay, last appearing at the 2010 South Africa tournament where they reached the quarter-finals, is led by 33-year-old captain Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras, 89 caps, 4 goals) in what could be his final major tournament. Turkey, seeking their first deep run since finishing third at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup, deploys a 4-2-3-1 under Montella with Real Madrid's 21-year-old Arda Guler (28 caps, 6 goals) and Juventus's 21-year-old Kenan Yildiz (28 caps, 5 goals) spearheading the attack.
- The tactical matchup presents contrasting styles with Turkey's 4-2-3-1 against Paraguay's traditional 4-4-2. Turkey aims to dominate midfield through the double pivot of Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu (32, 89 caps, 20 goals) and Fenerbahce's Ismail Yuksek (27, 31 caps, 1 goal), feeding chances to their three young attackers. Paraguay counters with Vancouver Whitecaps' Andres Cubas (30, 166cm, 32 caps) patrolling as the defensive midfielder to intercept plays, while Brighton's Diego Gomez (23, 23 caps, 3 goals) provides box-to-box energy on both ends of the pitch.
- Turkey's experienced defensive line presents a formidable challenge for Paraguay's attack. Merih Demiral (28, Al-Ahli, 188cm, 61 caps, 6 goals) brings Serie A experience from Juventus and Atalanta, having scored twice against Austria at EURO 2024 with his aerial prowess. Abdulkerim Bardakci (31, Galatasaray, 185cm, 26 caps, 2 goals) is a left-footed ball-playing defender with multiple Super Lig titles. Paraguay responds with a front two of 22-year-old Julio Enciso (Strasbourg, 31 caps, 4 goals) and 26-year-old Isidro Pitta (Red Bull Bragantino, 183cm, 5 caps).
- Paraguay blends veteran leadership with emerging talent impressively. Captain Gustavo Gomez (33, Palmeiras, 89 caps, 4 goals) became the first Paraguayan to play for AC Milan in Serie A and has won two Copa Libertadores titles with Palmeiras. Omar Alderete (29, Sunderland, 192cm, 35 caps, 3 goals) moved from Basel through Hertha Berlin, Valencia, and Getafe before joining the Premier League newcomers for £10m in summer 2025. Meanwhile, Diego Gomez (23, Brighton) represents the new generation, having captained Paraguay to Pre-Olympic gold in 2024 while winning the tournament's top scorer award.
- The number 10 duel promises fireworks between two playmakers with different styles. Turkey's Calhanoglu (Inter, 89 caps, 20 goals) orchestrates play from deep with his passing range and set-piece expertise posing constant threats. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United, 32, 75 caps, 9 goals) brings Premier League and Champions League experience from his 223 appearances over six seasons at Newcastle before returning to MLS in early 2025, using his pace and dribbling from the right wing despite his compact 174cm frame.
- Both benches showcase quality depth with contrasting profiles. Turkey can call upon Zeki Celik (29, Roma, right-back, 59 caps, 3 goals), Caglar Soyuncu (30, Fenerbahce, CB, 59 caps, 2 goals, 2020-21 FA Cup winner with Leicester), and Orkun Kokcu (25, Besiktas, 48 caps, 3 goals, Eredivisie champion with Feyenoord). Paraguay counters with Antonio Sanabria (30, Cremonese, 47 caps, 7 goals, Barcelona academy product), Fabian Balbuena (34, Gremio, 47 caps, 2 goals, former West Ham defender) among other experienced internationals ready to make an impact.
- The Los Angeles venue's 8 PM local kickoff brings comfortable 20°C conditions ideal for both teams to maintain high intensity. Following their respective opening matches, this fixture becomes crucial for Group D qualification hopes. Turkey's blend of young talent with experienced veterans faces Paraguay's mix of long-serving stalwarts and emerging stars in their first World Cup since 2010, making this clash pivotal for determining the group's progression.