Paraguay Reduced to 10 Men After Miguel Almirón Red Card Against Turkey in FIFA World Cup 2026
Miguel Almirón received a straight red card as Paraguay was reduced to 10 men during its crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Turkey. Read the full match report and analysis.
Paraguay suffered a major setback in its FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D encounter against Turkey after veteran midfielder Miguel Almirón was sent off with a straight red card during the second half of the match. The dismissal left Paraguay with only 10 players during a tense contest that could have a significant impact on the group’s qualification race.
The incident occurred after a VAR review, with referee Ivan Barton issuing a direct red card to Almirón. The decision immediately changed the rhythm of the match, forcing Paraguay to adopt a more defensive approach while trying to protect their advantage.
Early Lead Gives Paraguay Momentum
Paraguay entered the match under pressure following a heavy opening defeat to the United States. Knowing another loss could seriously damage their chances of reaching the knockout stage, the South American side started aggressively.
Midfielder Matías Galarza gave Paraguay an early breakthrough, scoring within the opening minute to register one of the fastest goals of the tournament. The early strike stunned Turkey and gave Paraguay confidence as they controlled large portions of the first half.
Red Card Changes Everything
The turning point arrived in the second half when Miguel Almirón became involved in an on-field confrontation. Following a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee showed the Paraguayan playmaker a straight red card.
The dismissal forced Paraguay to finish the match with ten men, placing enormous pressure on the team’s defense during the closing stages. Captain Gustavo Gómez and his defensive teammates worked tirelessly to withstand Turkey’s increased attacking intensity after the sending-off.
Tactical Shift After the Dismissal
With a numerical disadvantage, Paraguay abandoned its attacking approach and focused on maintaining defensive organization. Turkey increased possession and pushed more players forward, searching for an equalizer.
The match became increasingly physical as Paraguay defended deep while Turkey attempted to exploit the extra space created by the red card. Every defensive clearance and goalkeeping intervention became crucial during the final minutes.
Impact on Group D Standings
Group D has emerged as one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. Paraguay entered the fixture needing points after its opening defeat, while Turkey was also desperate to recover from its first-match loss.
The result of this contest could prove decisive in determining which teams progress to the knockout stage, making Almirón’s dismissal one of the defining moments of Paraguay’s World Cup campaign.
VAR Continues to Shape the Tournament
The incident once again highlighted the growing influence of VAR at the FIFA World Cup. Throughout the tournament, video reviews have played an increasingly important role in ensuring refereeing decisions are accurate, even if they generate controversy among players and supporters.
For Paraguay, however, the immediate concern is how they will cope without one of their most experienced players should the suspension apply to their next match.
Looking Ahead
Paraguay must now regroup quickly as the battle for qualification intensifies. The team will need discipline, defensive organization, and attacking efficiency in its remaining group-stage fixtures to keep its World Cup dream alive.
Meanwhile, Turkey will look to capitalize on the numerical advantage gained from the red card as both nations continue fighting for a place in the Round of 32. As Group D remains finely balanced, every point—and every disciplinary decision—could ultimately determine who advances in FIFA World Cup 2026.
