During Paraguay’s recent match against Turkey in the FIFA World Cup 2026, an unexpected incident captured global attention beyond the pitch. Matías Galarza, who scored the tournament’s fastest goal at just two minutes, was seen picking up and wearing the referee’s watch after it fell during a heated scuffle.

The match, held as part of Group D, was a rollercoaster for Paraguay. After a tough opening loss to host nation USA, their victory over Turkey reignited hopes for advancing to the round of 16, though questions about the team’s overall cohesion remain.

The controversy unfolded when Salvadoran referee Iván Barton lost his high-tech watch amid a player altercation. Broadcast footage shows Galarza bending down to retrieve the watch from the grass and slipping it onto his wrist, sparking a viral storm on social media platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram. Fans and analysts debated whether this was a playful gesture, a misunderstanding, or something more deliberate.

Who is Matías Galarza? At 24 years old, this left-footed midfielder from Asunción is currently on loan at Atlanta United from River Plate. He’s known for his dynamic playmaking and comes from a footballing family—his father Rolando and grandfather Arturo Galarza both have deep ties to the sport. His rapid goal against Turkey not only energized Paraguay’s campaign but also highlighted his rising star status.

While the watch incident has stirred controversy, it also humanizes the intense pressure players and officials face on the world’s biggest stage. Moments like these remind us that beyond tactics and scores, football is a complex mix of passion, emotion, and sometimes unexpected drama.

For fans following the World Cup, this episode adds another layer to Paraguay’s journey—one that combines sporting achievement with viral moments that resonate far beyond the stadium.