Turkey vs Paraguay Betting Tips & Predictions – Yilmaz to Fire Turkey to Victory at the World Cup 2026

Vedran Ostojic

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Last updated: Tue 16 Jun 2026 16:35

Vedran Ostojic 16 Jun 2026

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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

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Baris Yilmaz scored 2 goals in his last 3 games for Turkey (Getty)

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

Türkiye v Paraguay

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.

Turkey Win

Full-Time Result

@11/10 - 2 Units

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Vedran is a passionate sports enthusiast and covers European football, basketball, volleyball and handball.

With a particular love for the English Premier League, he's been writing about sports online for more than a decade since completing a degree in literature and sports journalism.

The primary areas of focus include top European football leagues (mainly EPL, La Liga, Serie A & Bundesliga), basketball (EuroLeague, NBA & WNBA), Handball and Volleyball.

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