The match is reportedly becoming a meeting point for the Turkish community, not simply another fixture. Families, local business owners and young players are among those expected to attend, giving the occasion the feel of a home game thousands of miles from Turkey.
Ulas described the chance to see the national team so close to home as rare. That support can offer energy, but it cannot remove the need for composure from a side facing an important early test.
Before the opener, Turkey had been viewed as a serious challenger in a group also containing the United States and Australia. The defeat changed the tone.
Sean Tekdemir reportedly blamed overconfidence and said, “O time, eu acho, não estava totalmente focado” - an assessment that the side was not fully focused. He also pointed to captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu saying Turkey would “dominaria” the opponent.
The lesson is clear: Paraguay cannot be treated as a casual route back into contention. Turkey’s quality, including the creativity of Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, must be matched by discipline from the first whistle.
A positive result would calm the atmosphere around a team making a long-awaited return to the tournament. It would also give the supporters’ celebration a stronger sporting foundation, rather than leaving the Bay Area gathering as a memorable backdrop to another setback.
Turkey is reportedly due to face the United States in Los Angeles on June 25, making the Paraguay match the immediate storyline to watch. The crowd has already arrived with belief; now the team must provide a performance worthy of it.