Predictions for the match between Türkiye and Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup and the best bets G Trends

Türkiye and Paraguay will meet at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on June 19, with both teams already suffering defeat after losing in the opening round. Türkiye is narrow favorite at +105, with Paraguay available at +320 with leading operators.

Türkiye lost to Australia 2-0 in the opening match, leaving them without points and with a -2 goal difference. Paraguay lost 4-1 to the host United States, placing it at the bottom of Group D on goal difference alone. Both countries are desperate for a result, which makes this contest more open than the money line suggests. The Türkiye vs. Paraguay betting odds reflect a modest Turkish advantage, but the margin between these two sides is slim.

Why is this game important?

With the United States on three points and Australia also on three, the calculations are clear and straightforward: a draw leaves both Turkey and Paraguay with results in the final round dependent on the other teams. A win here ensures that the victor remains in the competition before the final group match and opens the way to the knockout rounds as the third-place finisher in the qualifiers. For Paraguay, who have not competed in a World Cup finals since 2010, even competing is noteworthy, but J Alfaro’s side arrived with ambitions that go beyond emotion. Türkiye, which returned to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002, faces the same dual reckoning. Lose here and the group stage will end in a whimper, not a fight.

Our choice

Türkiye will win +105 with BetOnline, buoyed by their recent superior scoring form and the quality of their attacking options across the team. With money close to a draw, the Turkish advantage in individual quality makes the price acceptable given the urgency that both teams carry in this match.

Türkiye vs Paraguay: Preview, picks and betting odds

Türkiye qualified automatically through UEFA with a record of 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in eight qualifying matches, scoring 19 goals in the process. Coach Vincenzo Montella has built a team that mixes experienced international players, including Hakan Calhanoglu (105 caps, 22 goals) and Merih Demiral, along with young talents such as Arda Guler (21) from Real Madrid and Kenan Yildiz (21) from Juventus. Turkey’s offensive depth is the most credible argument for the moneyline. Kerem Akturkoglu has been the club’s top scorer of late, and with both Guler and Yildiz able to create chances from wide positions, Paraguay’s defense faces a real test of quality.

Paraguay qualified through CONMEBOL with three wins, two draws and one loss in six matches, a strong comeback that ended a 16-year absence from the World Cup. The team includes Miguel Almiron (76 caps, 10 goals) in midfield, Antonio Sanabria in attack, and Julio Enciso as a creative defensive lineman from wide areas. Paraguay’s backline, anchored by Gustavo Gomez (89 caps) and Junior Alonso (71 caps), has plenty of experience. However, the opening 4-1 defeat to the USA exposed weaknesses under constant pressure, and the Turkish midfield, led by Calhanoglu, is capable of applying exactly that kind of pressure.

The prediction of the Türkiye-Paraguay match depends on which side adapts quickest to the context in which it has to win. The depth of Turkey’s European squad suggests they have more answers in reserve, but Paraguay’s resilience during the South American qualifiers, where they conceded just three goals in six matches, means it won’t be easy. Turkey’s moneyline at +105 reflects real competition, not a mismatch.

Recent form and trends

Türkiye’s top five

• Australia (away): lost 0-2 (FIFA World Cup)
• Venezuela (North): Won 2-1 (friendly)
• North Macedonia (H): won 4-0 (friendly)
• Kosovo (away): Won 1-0 (FIFA World Cup Qualifiers)
• Romania (H): Won 1-0 (FIFA World Cup Qualifiers)

Turkey’s pre-tournament friendlies, including a 4-0 win over North Macedonia and a 2-1 win over Venezuela, showed attacking fluency, but a 2-0 defeat to Australia in the first round called into question their defensive structure at this level. The four wins before that were all by one goal or more, suggesting a team capable of producing results while also showing attacking intent when the occasion demands.

Paraguay past five

• USA (away): lost 1-4 (FIFA World Cup)
• Nicaragua (H): won 4-0 (friendly)
• Morocco (North): lost 1-2 (friendly)
• Greece (away): won 1-0 (friendly)
• Mexico (N): won 2-1 (friendly)

Paraguay’s performance ahead of their opening match was encouraging, with wins over Nicaragua, Greece and Mexico helping to build confidence. The 4-1 loss to the United States was a major setback and raised questions about their ability to deal with fast-paced opponents. The quality of Nicaragua’s opponents was mediocre, which limits the weight that the 4-0 win carried. Predicting the outcome of Türkiye vs Paraguay must take into account Paraguay’s tendency to concede in sets once the defensive shape is broken.

Injuries, suspensions and roster news

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella announced a full 26-man squad, with no suspensions, after the first group match. The team’s attacking resources remain intact, with Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Kerem Akturkoglu all fit and competing for the starting positions. Hakan Calhanoglu remains the fulcrum of the midfield, distinguishing himself with his range of passing and set pieces in Turkish attacking patterns. The goalkeeping position is competitive, with Altay Binder (Manchester United) and Ugurkan Cakir (Galatasaray) providing options, although they did not get a clean sheet against Australia.

Paraguay coach J. Alfaro named his 26-man squad in May 2026 and no suspensions had been reported prior to this match. It is expected that Gustavo Gomez and Junior Alonso will continue in the center of defense despite the heavy defeat against the United States. Midfielders Miguel Almiron and Diego Gomez add creativity in transition, while Julio Enciso provides a threat from wide positions. Antonio Sanabria is the most likely option for Alfaro’s central striker. No major infection concerns were reported within the travel group.

Expected formations

Türkiye (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Soyncu, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Ozcan; Yildiz, Guler, Akturkoglu; cafe. Predicted lineup – teams to be confirmed.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Gatito Fernandez; Cáceres, Gomez, Junior Alonso, Alderete; Sosa, Cubas, Almiron, Enciso; Sanabria, Caco. Predicted lineup – teams to be confirmed.

Main match to watch

The clash between Hakan Calhanoglu and the Paraguayan midfield of Andres Cubas and Miguel Almiron shapes the outcome more than any individual duel anywhere else on the pitch. Calhanoglu, who has made 105 caps and scored 22 international goals, acts as Turkey’s main distributor and dead-ball threat. Paraguay’s midfield in qualifying conceded just three goals in six CONMEBOL matches, relying on solid defensive blocks. If Alvaro puts Cuba in Calhanoglu’s guard and uses Almiron’s energy to disrupt Türkiye’s rhythm in the transition, Paraguay may feel frustrated. If Türkiye’s midfield wins this battle early, Guler and Yildiz have the technical quality needed to uncover the wide channels behind Paraguay’s defensive line.

Best bets and expert picks

Türkiye wins (+105, BetOnline): The quality of the Turkish team is superior to their Paraguayan counterparts in most positions, and the necessity of winning a group match suits Montella’s direct style. With money close to par, the Turkish moneyline represents fair value against a Paraguayan side that conceded four goals in their opener. The best bets between Türkiye and Paraguay depend on Calhanoglu’s influence and Guler Wildes’ creativity in the final third.

Under 2.5 goals (-122 best available): Both teams conceded goals in the opening match, but the pressure of elimination increases defensive caution. Paraguay allowed four goals against the United States but kept a clean sheet in qualifying, while Türkiye’s recent wins have been largely narrow. Türkiye vs. Paraguay opts to tilt the overall market toward a controlled, low-scoring contest shaped by mutual necessity. The line under 2.5 at -122 reflects the bookmakers’ reading of the potential tempo.

Kerem Akturkoglu Anytime Scorer (price will be confirmed with your preferred operator): Akturkoglu tops the recent scoring charts in Türkiye and provides the width and direct running that tests the full-backs. With 15 international goals in 52 caps, he is the most reliable option to finish off Montella’s attack, and a game in which Türkiye needs a goal creates the conditions for his involvement late in the game.

Julio Enciso Anytime Scorer (price will be confirmed with your preferred operator): Enciso is Paraguay’s primary creative outlet and has shown a strong scoring record from wide positions. His energy in transition makes him a threat whenever Paraguay wins the ball in the Turkish half. Türkiye’s selection card against Paraguay has been enhanced with the inclusion of a Paraguayan top scorer option to cover the possibility of Alvaro’s side taking an early lead and changing the complexion of the match.

Odds and betting lines

The table below shows the betting odds on the Türkiye vs Paraguay match across the three approved operators for this match.

How to watch and where to bet

How to watch

The Türkiye-Paraguay match will kick off at 8:00pm local time (UTC-7) on June 19, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. American viewers can watch the game live on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Viewers in Canada can access coverage through CTV, TSN and RDS. UK audiences can follow the events on ITV or BBC. The match is also broadcast in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport.

How to bet

Accounts at BetOnline, Lucky Rebel and BetNow are all active for this match. The steps below outline a straightforward process for placing a match bet.

1. Open your account on BetOnline, Lucky Rebel or BetNow.
2. Go to the Football or World Cup 2026 section.
3. Choose the Türkiye vs. Paraguay match from the Group D schedule.
4. Choose your market: match score, totals, or top scorer.
5. Enter your stake into the bet slip.
6. Make sure the odds shown match the prices mentioned in the table above.
7. Submit your bet and keep your confirmation reference.
8. Check the broadcast schedule to follow the match live and check the score.

Responsible gambling

Betting involves financial risks and no outcome is guaranteed. Anyone experiencing difficulties with gambling behavior can call the National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, which is available 24 hours a day. Additional support is available through Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org. Always bet within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.