
Turkey and Paraguay Clash in a Do‑Or‑Die World Cup Showdown
Turkey and Paraguay each need a win in Santa Clara to keep their World Cup hopes alive after opening defeats.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Gustavo Gomez across Soccer.

Turkey and Paraguay each need a win in Santa Clara to keep their World Cup hopes alive after opening defeats.

The United States opened its World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay, showcasing key performances from Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Giovanni Reyna while coach Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical changes sparked discussion.

The United States will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with coach Mauricio Pochettino hoping to build on a promising squad that includes Christian Pulisic and a fully fit defense.

The United States will open its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, a match framed by odds, expert predictions, and a battle of defensive tactics.

Gustavo Alfaro, a 63‑year‑old Argentine tactician, has transformed Paraguay's soccer team with a psychology‑driven approach, leading them to the World Cup after victories over Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. He uses a notebook of reflections and quotes from authors and historical figures to inspire players, while captain Gustavo Gomez anchors a defensive unit that conceded only ten goals in qualifying. Paraguay will open its campaign against the United States in Los Angeles on June 12, facing Australia and Turkey in Group D.

Gustavo Alfaro blends psychology, literary quotes and tactical discipline to guide Paraguay back to football’s biggest stage.

Veteran Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro has transformed Paraguay’s soccer team with a psychology‑driven approach, guiding them to a World Cup berth through motivational quotes, a psychologist, and historic victories over Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Gustavo Alfaro's unconventional approach has transformed Paraguay's squad, leading them to the World Cup with a blend of historic references and defensive solidity.