Turkiye ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note as they scored a last-gasp goal to defeat co-hosts USMNT 3-2 in a thrilling contest. The two sides locked horns at the Los Angeles Stadium on June 25.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side grabbed an early lead in the third minute after Auston Trusty netted from close range following a corner. Fortunately for Turkiye, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler leveled the scores seven minutes later with a clinical finish, before Baris Yilmaz made it 2-1 in the 31st minute.
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The USMNT bounced back in the 49th minute via Sebastian Berhalter’s rocket from 20 yards out. Just when it seemed as if the Crescent-Stars’ winless FIFA World Cup campaign would continue, Kaan Ayhan scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to hand the co-hosts their first loss.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at five talking points from their FIFA World Cup clash:
#5 Christian Pulisic’s return is a massive boost for USMNT
The USMNT are a better side when Christian Pulisic plays. This was evident when he provided an assist during their 4-1 win over Paraguay in their FIFA World Cup opener. However, he was subbed off after 45 minutes due to a calf injury, missing their next clash against Australia.
Pochettino opted to name Pulisic on the bench against Turkiye. However, Timothy Weah heavily struggled to make an impact, resulting in the former replacing him in the 58th minute. Pulisic transformed his nation’s attack, creating one chance and landing two shots on target from an attempted three. His deflected effort also struck the woodwork soon after his introduction.
Christian Pulisic will be integral for the Yanks going forward, and his fitness will be key. However, Auston Trusty’s injury will be a cause for concern after the left-back appeared to roll his ankle and suffered hamstring cramps.
#4 Berhalter impressed in makeshift USMNT starting XI
Having guaranteed a top-of-the-table finish in Group D, Pochettino opted to rest several first-team stars, naming a makeshift starting XI to face Turkiye. While some players disappointed up front, Sebastian Berhalter impressed in midfield.
The 25-year-old created the most chances in the match (five), scored a sensational goal, and completed 56 passes with an accuracy of 88 percent. He also won seven duels, made eight recoveries, and had two interceptions, handing Pochettino a selection headache going forward.
#3 Too little, too late for Turkiye
Turkiye were considered by many to be the dark horses heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With multiple young, talented prospects, they were expected to qualify for the Round of 32.
However, the 22nd-ranked outfit shockingly lost 2-0 to Australia, before losing 1-0 to 10-man Paraguay. Despite landing 62 shots in total against the aforementioned nations, Turkiye were unable to convert any of their chances.
Per OptaCan, in comparison, the Crescent-Stars scored their first two shots against the USMNT to secure a 3-2 win. However, it was too little and too late, as the former finished fourth in Group D and were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup.
#2 USMNT weren’t clinical enough
The USMNT had more than enough chances to put the game to bed against Turkiye, but weren’t clinical enough. The former landed 18 shots in total, with seven being on target, but missed three big chances, with an xG of 2.13.
Meanwhile, Turkiye made the most of their chances, as they mustered only nine shots in total, with three being on target. While they missed two big chances, they notably had a higher xG of 3.01, per FotMob.
#1 USMNT favorites to progress to the Round of 16 in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Despite losing to Turkiye, the USMNT finished at the top of Group D with six points. Meanwhile, Australia and Paraguay finished in second and third place, respectively, with four points each.
The co-hosts have progressed to the Round of 32 and will face Bosnia & Herzegovina on July 1. The former are the heavy favorites to defeat the 64th-ranked side, with Bosnia scraping a third-place finish in Group B, behind Switzerland and Canada.
Edited by Silas Sud