Montella under pressure as Türkiye head into Paraguay clash

Montella under fire after opening defeat

Your team lost 2–0 to Australia in the World Cup opener in Vancouver, and the fallout is brutal. Fatih Terim did not hold back, saying the side looked like they were "not playing, but wasting time" (1). The game plan against Australia's physical defense never clicked, and Montella is carrying all the pressure into the Paraguay match.

Riveros names the three to stop

Former Paraguay midfielder Cristian Riveros knows exactly who worries him ahead of the Group D clash. "You have to stop Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız," he said (4). No surprises there, but hearing it from the opposition camp confirms where the threat lies.

Camp says no pessimism, only hunger

Despite the Australia result, the mood inside the Turkish camp is defiant. Reports describe "no pessimism, just big ambition and a sharpened edge" heading into the Paraguay game (5). That fight needs to show on the pitch, because another Group D slip leaves your team with a mountain to climb.

Women's team play-off draw set for Thursday

The Türkiye Women's National Team will learn their 2027 World Cup play-off opponents on Thursday, June 18, when the draw takes place (3).

Commentator suspended after Iran–New Zealand error

Turkish commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen has been suspended following a mistake during the Iran vs New Zealand World Cup broadcast (2). Details of the error are thin, but the decision came down fast.