Five Key Matchups to Watch: Türkiye vs Paraguay

1. The midfield maestros’ duel – Hakan Çalhanoğlu will look to pull the strings from deep for Türkiye, metronomically dictating tempo and probing with incisive passing. Across the pitch, Miguel Almirón — Paraguay’s chief line-breaker — will aim to unsettle with his darting runs and close control. Whichever side wins the battle in central midfield is likely to hold the keys to victory.

2. Aerial threat versus defensive discipline – Paraguay’s backline is famously compact and hard to break down — La Albirroja rarely give opponents room to breathe. But Türkiye possess a potent weapon in Merih Demiral, whose height and timing make him a constant menace at set pieces. Corners and dead-ball situations could well be the decisive battleground.

3. Speed on the counter – Ángel Romero, buzzing on the left flank, is Paraguay’s most dangerous outlet in transition. If Türkiye’s full-backs push high — as they often do — he’ll look to exploit the space behind them. That means Demiral and Ozan Kabak must stay switched on, tracking runs and avoiding any momentary lapses that invite a lightning-fast counter.

4. Goalkeeping under pressure – With both sides expected to create chances but struggle for consistency in front of goal, the glovesmen could steal the show. Mert Günok has grown into a commanding presence for Türkiye, while Antony Silva — Paraguay’s veteran No. 1 — brings calm authority and sharp reflexes. A single world-class save at the right time might be all it takes.

5. Substitutions that shape the second half – Vincenzo Montella isn’t shy about reshaping his side mid-game — expect potential switches between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 depending on how the contest unfolds. Paraguay’s Daniel Garnero, meanwhile, tends to double down on directity and physicality after the break. The bench could well be the difference-maker — especially if either manager finds the right tactical tweak or impact substitute.