17.06.2026 10:50
After the defeat to Australia, Vincenzo Montella is expected to make at least three changes to the starting eleven for the Paraguay match. Kenan Yıldız returning to the starting lineup, Mert Müldür playing at right-back, and a surprising move in midfield are on the agenda.
The Turkish National Football Team, which started Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a defeat against Australia, is now focusing all its calculations on the match against Paraguay. Ahead of the match to be played on Saturday, June 20 at 06:00 TSI, head coach Vincenzo Montella is preparing changes to the squad.
KENAN YILDIZ RETURNS TO THE STARTING ELEVEN
Kenan Yıldız, who came on in the second half of the Australia match and drew attention with his performance, is considered almost certain to start in the first eleven against Paraguay. The young star, who has regained form after a long injury, is expected to play a significant role in the attacking line.
KEREM MAY BE PULLED TO THE BENCH
If Montella makes a change on the left wing and gives the jersey to Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu is expected to start on the substitutes' bench. It is planned that Barış Alper Yılmaz will be evaluated in a different position in the attacking line.
SURPRISE MOVE IN MIDFIELD
Another issue the coaching staff is focusing on is the midfield setup. There is a possibility that either İsmail Yüksek or Orkun Kökçü will be replaced by Can Uzun or Deniz Gül. It is reported that Montella is working on a more productive game plan.
MERT MÜLDÜR CLOSE TO THE JERSEY
A change is also on the horizon at right back. It is expected that Mert Müldür will start in the first eleven instead of Zeki Çelik, who played against Australia. It is stated that the experienced player will be preferred due to his defensive and offensive contributions.
CRITICAL 90 MINUTES
After the first group matches, USA and Australia have collected 3 points each, while Turkey and Paraguay have failed to get on the scoreboard. Therefore, the match between the two teams carries great importance on the path to the round of 32.
POSSIBLE STARTING ELEVEN
Uğurcan Çakır, Mert Müldür, Merih Demiral, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Orkun Kökçü (İsmail Yüksek), Can Uzun (Deniz Gül), Barış Alper Yılmaz, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız.