Paraguay face Türkiye in a Group D fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The CONMEBOL and UEFA representatives meet at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in an intriguing clash between two sides returning to the tournament after a long absence.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship and the first to feature 48 nations. The format consists of 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed sides progressing to a round of 32. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
When is Paraguay vs Türkiye?
The match is scheduled within the opening round of Group D fixtures, with kick-off in an evening slot at Levi’s Stadium. The time zone difference means UK viewers can expect a late start.
Where is Paraguay vs Türkiye?
The game is played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, just south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley. Home to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, the stadium has a football capacity of around 70,000. Opened in 2014, Levi’s Stadium hosts several World Cup matches including group and knockout fixtures.
Key Contenders
Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa. La Albirroja are coached by Gustavo Alfaro and led by experienced names such as Miguel Almiron and Omar Alderete, with the team built on defensive organisation and direct attacking play.
Türkiye qualify for their first World Cup since 2002, when they finished third in South Korea and Japan. Under Vincenzo Montella, the Crescent-Stars rely on the creativity of Arda Guler, Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz, and enter the tournament as one of Europe’s most-improved sides.
How to Watch
The BBC and ITV share UK coverage of the 2026 World Cup with streams via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Fox Sports holds US English-language rights across Fox and FS1, while Telemundo and Peacock cover the match in Spanish. Canada’s rights belong to CTV, TSN and RDS. FIFA+ offers selected live streams and tournament highlights internationally.
History and Records
Paraguay and Türkiye have met only in friendlies, with limited competitive history between the sides. Türkiye’s third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup remains their best ever performance, while Paraguay’s best came in 2010 with their quarter-final run.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for every 2026 FIFA World Cup match are sold exclusively through FIFA.com and the official FIFA Ticketing platform. Phased sales windows have released individual match, venue series and team series tickets. An official resale platform is available for fans unable to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Paraguay vs Türkiye kick off?
The match is part of the Group D opening round in mid-June 2026.
Where is the match being held?
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA.
How can I watch Paraguay vs Türkiye?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV/TSN in Canada, and FIFA+ internationally.
When did Türkiye last appear at a World Cup?
2002, when they finished third in South Korea and Japan.