Turkish players vow to win against Paraguay after World Cup opener loss

Turkish national football team players Uğurcan Çakır and Samet Akaydin have spoken about the team's mindset following their opening loss to Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, expressing a strong desire to secure a win in their upcoming match against Paraguay.

“

We were upset, of course, but we have a chance to make up for the mistake in the Paraguay match.

Goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır stated that while the team was disappointed with the first match's outcome, they see the Paraguay game as an opportunity to recover. "We were upset, of course, but we have a chance to make up for the mistake in the Paraguay match," Çakır said. He acknowledged the emotional pressure of playing in the World Cup after a 24-year absence, which may have affected their performance. "There was an emotional pressure, I think. We wanted to make our country proud, and maybe that didn't reflect on the field," he added, noting that the team's morale remains high and they have forgotten the first match.

“

There was an emotional pressure, I think. We wanted to make our country proud, and maybe that didn't reflect on the field.

Defender Samet Akaydin echoed these sentiments, admitting the team is unhappy with the unexpected scoreline against Australia but is confident they will compensate by winning against Paraguay. "We are unhappy because we did not expect such a score in the first match. We will compensate for this by winning the Paraguay match. The Australia match did not discourage us," Akaydin stated. He also addressed reports of internal team issues, asserting that the team's friendship is strong and they understand each other well.

“

We are unhappy because we did not expect such a score in the first match. We will compensate for this by winning the Paraguay match. The Australia match did not discourage us.

Both players made a direct appeal for national support ahead of the crucial match. "As a country, we need to realize this. We have come to the World Cup after 24 years, and there is a very important match against Paraguay right now. We need support," Akaydin urged. He emphasized the team's emotional drive and commitment to playing for the flag, stating, "We are a country that acts with our emotions. There is nothing we cannot do for this flag."

“

As a country, we need to realize this. We have come to the World Cup after 24 years, and there is a very important match against Paraguay right now. We need support.