17.06.2026 16:20
Critical calculations have begun for the Turkish National Team, which started the World Cup with a 2-0 loss against Australia. The Crescent-Stars may face elimination before the final group match if they lose to Paraguay and the USA earns points against Australia.
In its first match of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Turkish National Football Team, defeated 2-0 by Australia, faced a difficult scenario before the second match. Having finished the first week without any points, Turkey turned its attention to the crucial match against Paraguay.
ELIMINATION POSSIBILITY EMERGES
The worst-case scenario for the Crescent-Stars could occur after the second round of matches. If Turkey loses to Paraguay and the USA gets points against Australia, the national team will face the risk of elimination from the tournament before the final group match.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD COMPLICATES MATTERS
In the World Cup, the use of head-to-head record as the first tiebreaker in case of points equality poses a significant disadvantage for Turkey. Having fallen behind in the group due to the loss against Australia, the Crescent-Stars will take a major hit in their calculations to advance if they also drop points against Paraguay.
PARAGUAY MATCH LIKE A FINAL
For this reason, the match against Paraguay is of great importance for the National Team. The Crescent-Stars will take the field with the motto of getting points at all costs to keep their hopes alive for the round of 32. The technical staff and players aim to overcome the defeat against Australia and re-enter the race.
HOPES CONTINUE
Despite everything, Turkey still has a chance to advance from the group. However, a potential loss against Paraguay could end the Crescent-Stars' World Cup journey much earlier than expected.