Arda Guler apologises as Turkey crash out of World Cup with 0-1 loss to Paraguay

Arda Guler has fronted Turkey’s post-mortem after their World Cup exit, calling the 1-0 loss to Paraguay on 24 June 2026 the national side’s most embarrassing moment in years.

What happened in Qatar?

Turkey’s campaign collapsed in spectacular fashion. A 2-0 reverse to Australia was followed by a narrow defeat to Paraguay, leaving Vincenzo Montella’s team pointless and goalless after two games. Guler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, was visibly distraught at the final whistle and told TRT Spor: “We are ashamed. We apologise to all our people.”

Why it matters for Arda Guler

Guler is the brightest jewel in Turkey’s young squad and the heir to a golden generation. His Real Madrid move last summer made him the most expensive Turkish footballer ever, so the World Cup flop lands hard. He vowed to “do everything” to make fans forget the tournament, framing the failure as a personal reset.

How Turkey ran out of steam

The numbers tell the story. Over two defeats Turkey mustered 62 shots yet failed to score once. Opta’s data shows the side’s finishing rate at 0%, a stat that mocked their “big team” billing. Montella’s tactics and personnel choices now face scrutiny before the dead-rubber against the United States.

What comes next for Guler and Turkey

Turkey’s World Cup curtain closes on 28 June against the USA, but the result won’t change their fate. Guler’s focus shifts to club duties at Real Madrid and rebuilding his national reputation. The apology tour has only just begun.