Paraguay confirms lineup changes for crucial World Cup clash against Turkey
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Paraguay's national football team will face Turkey in their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup.
- Coach Gustavo Alfaro has made two changes to the starting lineup following their debut loss to the United States.
- Paraguay must secure a win to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Paraguay's national football team is set to face Turkey in a crucial second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup. Following a disappointing debut loss to co-hosts the United States, Paraguay, managed by Gustavo Alfaro, is under pressure to secure a victory to maintain their chances of advancing to the round of 16.
Coach Alfaro has introduced two changes to the starting eleven compared to the team that played against the U.S. Matรญas Galarza will enter the midfield, replacing Damiรกn Bobadilla. Additionally, Isidro Pitta is confirmed to start in the attack, taking the place of Antonio โToniโ Sanabria.
The rest of the lineup remains consistent. Orlando Gill will guard the goal, protected by a defensive line comprising Juan Josรฉ Cรกceres, Gustavo Gรณmez, Omar Alderete, and Junior Alonso. The midfield and creative roles will be handled by Diego Gรณmez, Andrรฉs Cubas, Matรญas Galarza, and Miguel Almirรณn.
The attacking responsibility will fall on the forward duo of Isidro Pitta and Julio Enciso. The team is preparing for the match at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, aware that anything less than a win could significantly jeopardize their World Cup aspirations.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.