Turkiye suffered two losses in two group matches and was eliminated from the World Cup. Matias Galarza’s early goal gave Paraguay a 1-0 victory over Turkey.
Published June 20, 2026
After being sent off before half-time, 10-a-side Paraguay made the difference with their quickest goal of the tournament as they defended bravely to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory, eliminating Tolkier from the 2026 World Cup.
On Friday night, midfielder Matias Galarza reeled in from 25 meters (27 yards) and fired a low rocket home 64 seconds into the game, surpassing Ismael Saibari’s 71-second shot in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland hours earlier.
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Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron was the first to break the new rules in the tournament when he was given a straight red card in first-half stoppage time for putting his hand over his mouth during a confrontation with Turkiye’s Mert Mrdur.
Paraguay’s task just got tougher, but they overcame a flurry of Tolkien attacks and won in a stunning comeback following an opening 4-1 demolition by the United States.
Red card in Paraguay: Almiron sent off for holding his mouth
Almiron was sent off in first-half stoppage time for Mardur, and his sending off was confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as Paraguay led 1-0.
A player who covers his mouth with his hand, arm, or shirt in a confrontation situation will receive a red card.
The rule came into effect after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani was accused of making a discriminatory slur at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth.
