2026 World Cup, Disaster in Turkey: Montella Is Already Out; Dismissal Is Imminent

Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey has been shockingly eliminated from the World Cup after the second matchday of Group D. Following a crushing defeat in their opening match against Australia, the Istanbul-based team suffered another loss to Paraguay, which won 1-0 despite playing a man down for an entire half.

Two losses and zero goals: it’s a debacle for Turkey, which arrived in North America with high hopes after an excellent qualifying campaign and a roster packed with talent, including Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. Vincenzo Montella will not remain as the Turkish team’s coach: he will either resign or be fired. According to rumors, the former “Aeroplanino” has been contacted by Fenerbahçe and could immediately take over at a club team.

Paraguay’s early goal threw a wrench into all the tactical plans Montella had prepared. At Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, the Paraguayans took the lead in the 2nd minute with a fine left-footed shot by Galarza, then adopted a defensive approach, waiting for their opponents with a compact back line and launching counterattacks. It was a perfect plan and the worst possible scenario for the Turks, who struggled to create chances.

The two star players, Guler and Yildiz, were unable to find space or get into the game; the disjointed play and numerous scrambles favored the South Americans. Turkey managed to pose a threat only on set pieces, hitting the post and the crossbar through Muldur following a free kick by Calhanoglu.

Just before halftime comes the incident that could shift the momentum of the match: Almiron’s ejection for speaking to a Turkish opponent with his hand over his mouth—a gesture prohibited by the new rules. Even down to 10 men, Turkey couldn’t manage to equalize: chances by Uzun, Demiral, and Yilmaz weren’t enough, and Gul, in particular, squandered a chance to make it 1-1 in the closing minutes. That was the final score, and Turkey is out.