15.06.2026 10:30
Despite the defeat to Australia, the National Team's chance to advance from the group stage in the World Cup continues. Thanks to the new format, Turkey, which has the possibility to reach the round of 32 with even a single victory, sees the Paraguay match as highly important. Here are the details...
The 48-team system applied for the first time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has significantly increased the chances of advancing from the group stage. In the tournament, which consists of 12 groups, group leaders and second-placed teams, as well as the best 8 of the 12 teams that finish third in their groups, advance to the round of 32. This situation ensures that hope does not run out early for teams that lose their first match.
ADVANCING IS POSSIBLE EVEN WITH 3 POINTS
The chance for the Turkish National Team, which lost 2-0 to Australia, to advance from the group still continues. If the Crescent-Stars win one of their remaining matches against Paraguay and the USA, they may finish the group with 3 points and rank among the best third-placed teams. However, in this scenario, not only points but also goal difference will be decisive.
GOAL DIFFERENCE CALCULATION HAS BEGUN
Turkey's start to the tournament with a -2 goal difference due to the 2-0 loss against Australia has made things difficult. Since goal difference will come into play in case of a tie in points in the best third-placed ranking, the scores in the remaining matches are of great importance. Therefore, not only victories but also high-margin scores have become critical for the National Team.
PARAGUAY MATCH IS A CRITICAL THRESHOLD
The match against Paraguay, who lost 4-1 to the USA in their first game, is almost like a final for Turkey. The Crescent-Stars aim to both get their first points and reduce the goal difference disadvantage by winning this match.
FATE WILL BE DECIDED IN REMAINING MATCHES
In Group D, after the first week, the USA sits at the top of the standings, while Australia gained a significant advantage. Turkey will determine their future in the World Cup with the results they achieve in the matches against Paraguay and the USA.