Paraguay sinks Turkey 1-0 as Almiron becomes first player expelled under mouth-cover ban

Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 in Santa Clara on 19 June to revive its World Cup campaign and confirm the United States as Group D winners. The match featured the fastest goal of the tournament and the first dismissal under FIFA's new ban on covering the mouth during confrontations.

Fastest strike of the World Cup

Midfielder Matias Galarza rifled a left-footed shot from 25 metres after only 64 seconds, surpassing Ismael Saibari's 71-second goal for Morocco earlier that day. Galarza, an Atlanta United player, was making his first start of the tournament after sitting out the 4-1 loss to the US. The early blow stunned a Turkish side that had entered the match needing a win to stay in contention.

New rule makes history

In first-half stoppage time, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron covered his mouth with his hand while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur after a midfield foul. Muldur appealed immediately and referee Ivan Barton consulted VAR before issuing a straight red card. The sanction was the first under a regulation introduced by FIFA in April 2026 to combat racism, following a Champions League case where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was accused of directing racist insults at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior while hiding his mouth.

“If a player covers his mouth and says something that has racist consequences, then he must be suspended, obviously. We must assume that he said something he shouldn't have, otherwise he wouldn't have needed to cover his mouth.”

Turkey's onslaught falls short

Down a man, Paraguay spent the entire second half absorbing pressure. Turkey logged 32 attempts, 12 corners (to Paraguay's zero) and at one point held 79 percent possession. Mert Muldur's header from a free kick hit the crossbar and post in the first half, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves on Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci and Can Uzun to preserve the lead. Despite the barrage, the Turkish attack lacked a cutting edge, mirroring their wasteful performance in the 2-0 opening loss to Australia.

Group D outlook

Turkey's elimination was sealed with its second straight defeat, ending its first World Cup appearance in 24 years without a point. Paraguay, after its 4-1 defeat by the US, now faces Australia in the final group match with second place on the line. The United States, which beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle, clinched top spot in the group.

“We showed our quality fighting spirits even with one player down. God wanted this to happen for Paraguay more than ever before.”

“I'm sad but I'm also very proud of my players. They gave everything right up until the final whistle. That's what football's like.”