World Cup Exit: Turkey Eliminated After 0-1 Loss to Paraguay, Star Player Apologizes for Goal Drought

Turkey's hopes for the 2026 World Cup were dashed as they were eliminated from the tournament following a 0-1 defeat to Paraguay. The match saw Turkey with a significant advantage, playing against 10 men for a portion of the game, yet they were unable to find the net, ultimately leading to their early exit.

The decisive goal came early, with Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza scoring just 64 seconds into the match. Despite dominating possession with 65% control, registering 32 shots with 5 on target, and earning 12 corner kicks, Turkey could not equalize. The situation was further compounded when Paraguayan key player Miguel Almirón received a red card, leaving his team with 10 players. However, this numerical superiority did not translate into goals for the Turkish side.

This defeat marked a historic low for Turkish football. Across their two group stage matches, Turkey recorded a staggering 62 shots without scoring a single goal. According to Opta Stats, this is the highest number of shots without a goal in two consecutive World Cup matches since records began in 1966.

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We should have scored some goals, we should have won these matches, so I apologize to the Turkish people.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, a star player for Turkey, expressed deep regret and apologized to the nation. "We should have scored some goals, we should have won these matches, so I apologize to the Turkish people," Güler stated. "I want to apologize to everyone, we are ashamed. Everyone plays for top clubs, but we should have performed better in this tournament... Two matches, zero goals, this is an unacceptable result."

The team's inability to convert chances, even with a man advantage, led to their second consecutive loss in the group stage, confirming their elimination from the World Cup.

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I want to apologize to everyone, we are ashamed. Everyone plays for top clubs, but we should have performed better in this tournament... Two matches, zero goals, this is an unacceptable result.