Matias Galarza fired Paraguay into the lead after just 65 seconds at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco — the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far — as a resolute Paraguay side held on to beat Turkey 1-0 and send Vincenzo Montella's men out of the tournament.

The result confirmed Turkey's elimination from the competition, their second consecutive defeat following an earlier loss to Australia. They become only the second team to exit this World Cup, joining Haiti in an early departure that will sting all the more given the opportunities they wasted.

A record of futility in attack

Across their two group matches, Turkey mustered a combined 62 attempts without finding the net — the most shots without a goal in any two-match span in World Cup history. Yildiz, Can Uzun, and Deniz Gul all went close, but goalkeeper Orlando Gill stood firm with five saves to deny them at every turn. Montella, who was himself booked during the contest, could only look on as his side's tournament ended without a single goal to show for their efforts.

Almiron dismissed by VAR under new rule

Paraguay's achievement was made all the more remarkable by the fact they played the entire second half with 10 men. Miguel Almiron was sent off just before half-time after VAR officials spotted him covering his mouth during a confrontation with Mert Muldur — a dismissal triggered under a new IFAB rule designed to bring greater transparency to the game.

Referee Ivan Barton was called to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, and the red card followed. Paraguay retreated into their defensive shape and held firm, managing only 22 percent of possession across the 90 minutes but defending with exceptional discipline to protect Galarza's early strike.

The road ahead for Paraguay

Paraguay's survival in the tournament now hinges on their final group-stage fixture — a straight shootout against Australia for second place in Group D. Hosts United States have already secured top spot and will finish as group winners regardless of results.

For Turkey, the journey is over. A pre-tournament side spoken of as potential dark horses, they depart without a goal, without a point, and with serious questions to answer about a campaign that never lived up to its billing.