Türkiye defeats the United States 3–2
June 25, 2026 Los Angeles Stadium, California
Türkiye defeated the United States 3–2 with a dramatic last-second goal from Kaan Ayhan in the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D stage. Despite the tough loss at Los Angeles Stadium, the USMNT still clinched first place in Group D and has successfully advanced to the Round of 32 knockout stage.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated his roster for this match, making nine changes to rest key starters for the knockout rounds.
Defender Auston Trusty opened the scoring early for the U.S. by hammering in a corner kick in the 3rd minute. In the 10th minute Real Madrid star Arda Güler quickly leveled the game for Türkiye. In the 31st minute Barış Alper Yılmaz scored from close range to give Türkiye the lead. Sebastian Berhalter scored a brilliant long-range goal from outside the box to equalize for the Americans in the 49th minute. American winger Christian Pulisic subbed onto the pitch late in the second half, marking his highly anticipated return from a calf injury. He nearly found a winner, but his shot was tipped onto the post. In the 98th Kaan Ayhan scored with the final kick of the match in second-half stoppage time, securing Türkiye's only victory before their tournament exit.
Scoring:
USA - Auston Trusty - 3rd minute
TUR - Arda Güler - 10th minute
TUR - Barış Alper Yılmaz - 31st minute
USA - Sebastian Berhalter - 49th minute
TUR- Kaan Ayhan - 98th minute
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