Turkey vs Paraguay Betting Tips & Predictions – Yilmaz to Fire Turkey to Victory at the World Cup 2026
Turkey, after a strong run of seven wins in their last nine games, is favored to bounce back from their initial defeat. The team possesses greater attacking prowess compared to Paraguay and is expected to win the upcoming match. Additionally, Baris Yilmaz is highlighted as a player to watch for scoring anytime, following his impressive form in early June. The article's key conclusion: back Turkey for the win and consider betting on Baris Yilmaz as a goalscorer.
- Turkey have shown more than Paraguay in the opening round
- We are backing the Crescent Stars to win here
- Check our full preview for Turkey vs Paraguay below
Turkey were unlucky against Australia, failing to convert a couple of great chances that could have brought them back into the game, while Paraguay were deservedly beaten 4-1 by USA.
The Crescent Stars arrived at the tournament full of confidence, so I’m backing them to bounce back and claim the win here.
- Key Stats
- This Will be Their Second H2H
- Crescent Stars Deserved More from the Opening Round
- Paraguay Under Pressure
- Team News & Predicted Lineups
Key Stats
- Turkey have won 7 of their last 9 matches.
- Baris Yilmaz has scored 2 goals in his last 3 matches for Turkey.
- Paraguay have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.
This Will be Their Second H2H
These two sides locked horns just once in June 1995. That friendly clash ended without goals.
Crescent Stars Deserved More from the Opening Round
Turkey had 1.36-1.18 expected goals, 72% possession and 30-9 shots in their World Cup 2026 opening clash against Australia which ended in a 2-0 defeat.
Karem Akturkoglu missed a huge opportunity to break the deadlock in the first half, as well as Zeki Celik in the later stages. Real Madrid’s Arda Guler fired a total of 8 shots here (3 on target) but lacked precision.
After eliminating Romania and Kosovo with 1-0 victories in the playoffs, Vincenzo Montella also looked great in their two test games ahead of the tournament, beating North Macedonia 4-0 and Venezuela 2-1. Baris Yilmaz appeared on the scoresheet on both occasions.
Paraguay Under Pressure
Paraguay arrived at the World Cup 2026 as one of the strongest defensive teams that conceded just 10 goals in 18 qualifying matches but their back line fell apart in a 4-1 defeat against USA last week.
They were three goals behind at the break already, while Mauricio was the one to score a consolation in the 73rd minute which was their only shot on target.
Paraguay opted for just one test match in June and they delivered against Nicaragua, winning the encounter 4-0 in front of the home crowd in Asuncion, allowing just 28% possession and zero shots to the opposition.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Turkey (4-2-3-1) Ugurcan Cakir; Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu; Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek; Arda Guler, Orkun Kokcu, Kenan Yildiz; Baris Yilmaz
Strategy with Karem Akturkoglu didn't really work out for the Turks against Australia, so I expect them to start with Baris Yilmaz as false nine here, while Kenan Yildiz to take his place as an attacking midfielder.
Paraguay (4-4-2) Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Kaku, Andres Cubas, Damian Bobadilla, Miguel Almiron; Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso
Diego Gomez was one of the worst rated players from the first clash and I expect him to be moved to bench, Kaku to take his place in the starting lineup. Paraguay have no reported injuries ahead of this match.
Verdict
Turkey won seven out of their last nine games and have bigger quality than Paraguay, especially when it comes to scoring potential. I am backing the Crescent Stars to recover from the opening loss and win here.
Another bet worth considering is Baris Yilmaz to score anytime. His form in early June was great, scoring both against Venezuela and North Macedonia.
Another bet worth considering is Baris Yilmaz to score anytime. His form in early June was great, scoring both against Venezuela and North Macedonia.
Turkey Win
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Baris Yilmaz
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