Arda Guler and Turkey have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay in San Francisco. The Real Madrid midfielder’s tournament is effectively over after back-to-back Group D defeats, with Matias Galarza’s opening-minute strike enough to settle a tense match that Turkey failed to rescue despite playing against 10 men for the whole second half.
Paraguay scored after just 65 seconds and then survived Miguel Almiron’s red card before half-time, forcing Turkey into a long, frustrated chase. Vincenzo Montella’s side pushed for an equaliser but could not break through, meaning their final group game no longer offers a route into the knockout stage. The result and elimination were confirmed in Sky Sports’ match report from Turkey’s defeat to Paraguay.
Guler Faces Early Real Madrid Return After Turkey Collapse
For Guler, the exit lands as a sharp personal disappointment. Turkey arrived with attacking quality and high expectations, but two defeats from two matches have turned the campaign into a short, bruising lesson.
Real Madrid will now watch the aftermath closely. An early exit reduces the midfielder’s tournament load, but it also leaves him carrying the frustration of a campaign in which Turkey could not convert pressure into goals. The immediate club angle is clear: Guler’s summer now shifts from World Cup ambition back toward Madrid’s pre-season planning.
