Arda Guler (left) is challenged by Andres Cubas of Paraguay during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Turkiye suffered an early elimination from FIFA World Cup 2026 after it suffered a second consecutive defeat in Group D.

Despite playing more than a half against a Paraguay side reduced to 10 men following a red card to Miguel Almiron, Turkiye failed to find the net and conceded a 0-1 defeat.

Turkish midfielder Arda Guler apologised for his side’s performance in a post-match interaction.

“We want to apologize, we feel ashamed. We all play for top clubs and we should do way better on this competition,” said Guler.

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Turkiye dominated possession and fired 33 shots at the Paraguayan goal, but failed to gain a goal out of them. This was similar to its defeat to Australia in its tournament opener, where it rattled in shots aplenty without any rewards.

“In two games, we scored zero goals and it’s not acceptable,” said Guler.

Turkiye’s 62 shots from the first two games of FIFA World Cup 2026 is the most attempted by a team in a two-game span in the tournament without scoring a goal since 1966.

Published on Jun 20, 2026