USA vs Turkey World Cup 2026: Turkey Edges USMNT 3-2 in Group Final
The Türkiye national football team defeated the United States men's national soccer team 3-2 on June 25, 2026, in their final Group D match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Match Overview
The high-scoring match took place at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, California. Because the United States had already clinched the top spot in Group D with previous wins over Paraguay and Australia, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated his roster, making nine changes to the starting lineup. Türkiye, despite being already eliminated from the tournament, played with immense pride and captured their first and only win of the competition with practically the final kick of the match.
Goal Summary
- 3' — USA (1-0): Defender Auston Trusty opened the scoring early with a header from a corner kick.
- 10' — Türkiye (1-1): Arda Güler finished a slick, team passing move to quickly equalize.
- 31' — Türkiye (2-1): Barış Alper Yılmaz (later credited by FIFA) pushed Türkiye ahead just moments after a U.S. goal by Mark McKenzie was wiped out due to an offside call.
- 49' — USA (2-2): Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter hammered home a striking low half-volley from the top of the box to level the game.
- 90+8' — Türkiye (3-2): In the dying seconds of stoppage time, substitute Kaan Ayhan slid at the back post to tap in a cross from Can Uzun, sealing the dramatic win.
Notable Takeaways
- Pulisic Returns: Star forward Christian Pulisic entered as a substitute in the 58th minute. He had missed previous playing time with a calf injury and provided an instant spark, nearly scoring when his shot ricocheted off the post.
- Historical Milestone: Sebastian Berhalter became the first USMNT player in the modern era to record both a goal and an assist in a single World Cup match.
- Next Steps: Despite the loss, the U.S. successfully advanced as the No. 1 seed from Group D. They are scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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