Paraguay to face crucial match against Turkey as 'a final,' say players

Paraguay's national football team is gearing up for a crucial World Cup 2026 match against Turkey, labeling it a "final" as they seek to rebound from a significant opening defeat. The team suffered a 4-1 loss to the United States in their debut, a result that midfielder Andrés Cubas described as a "blow."

“

This next match will be a final.

"This next match will be a final," Cubas told reporters after training. The Vancouver Whitecaps player, who played the full 90 minutes against the US, acknowledged the team did not expect such a start but emphasized the need to move forward. "But this continues, and we don't have time to dwell on it," he added.

The squad is actively working to address the mistakes from their first game and reinforce their strengths. "Our energy is focused on Turkey," Cubas insisted. Striker Isidro Pitta echoed this sentiment, stating that the players have put the disappointing loss behind them and are determined to beat Turkey "by any means necessary."

“

But this continues, and we don't have time to dwell on it.

"We need to reverse the result, get three points to be able to think about qualifying, and that's what we're going to do," said the Bragantino forward. Paraguay currently occupies the bottom spot in Group D. The United States leads the group after their decisive victory over Paraguay, while Australia, surprisingly, defeated Turkey 2-0. Turkey is third in the group based on goal difference.

“

Our energy is focused on Turkey.

After facing Turkey, Paraguay, which secured its World Cup spot through one of Conmebol's direct qualification berths, will conclude its group stage campaign against Australia on June 25.

“

We need to reverse the result, get three points to be able to think about qualifying, and that's what we're going to do.