First Real Madrid casualty of 2026 World Cup as Arda Guler falls with Türkiye

First Real Madrid casualty of 2026 World Cup as Arda Guler falls with Türkiye

Real Madrid have many players at the 2026 World Cup, but only a week into the tournament, one of them is already heading home.

Arda Guler would’ve had high hopes to go far in the tournament, with many spectators considering Türkiye to be one of the dark horses. However, last week’s defeat to Australia had them on the back foot to qualify from Group D, and it meant that they had to avoid a second loss in a row against Paraguay in order to remain in with a chance of reaching the Round of 32.

However, it was not to be for Guler and Türkiye, as they were defeated 1-0 by the South American side. Matias Galarza’s strike after 64 seconds was the difference, despite the fact that Paraguay played the entire second half after Miguel Almiron was shown a straight red card in stoppage time at the end of the first period.

Despite having 32 shots and 50 touches in Paraguay’s penalty area, Türkiye were unable to get the goal they need. It means they will head home after facing the United States next week, as they cannot overtake Australia or Paraguay due to FIFA changing the tiebreaker from goal difference to head-to-head record.

Guler could still have a busy summer in store

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Guler will undoubtedly be very disappointed to have fallen short, as he would have had aspirations to take Türkiye far in the World Cup. It means he will take him away from football after the USA match before likely returning to Real Madrid for the start of pre-season next month.

However, there is no guarantee that Guler remains a Real Madrid player come the end of the summer. The recent arrival of Bernardo Silva means his place in the starting line-up is under threat, which has prompted Chelsea to consider a move for him.