“Maybe the vibes is like we go home and Türkiye stays?”

USMNT suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Turkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, following which head coach Mauricio Pochettino slammed the press for ‘weird’ questions.

The Stars and Stripes conceded in the 98th minute of a pulsating clash as Vincenzo Montella’s side produced a stunning result.

Auston Trusty had put the USMNT 1-0 up after just three minutes into the kick-off, but Arda Guler equalized seven minutes later.

Baris Yilmaz then put the Crescent-Stars in front shortly after the half-hour mark, though Sebastian Berhalter restored parity for the USMNT just four minutes into the second half.

With no further goals to separate the sides, the match was seemingly heading towards a draw with only a few seconds remaining on the clock. But just then, Turkiye maneuvered a third goal with Kaan Ayhan tapping home into an empty net and winning it for his side.

However, it didn’t matter much in the larger scheme of things with Turkiye’s elimination already confirmed after consecutive defeats to Australia and Paraguay. Meanwhile, USMNT progressed from Group D as the winners with six points.

In a press conference after the enthralling clash, Pochettino was asked if the shock loss could disrupt their momentum. The former Tottenham and PSG boss slammed the journalist for the question, and replied:

“I’m happy. Maybe I’m not showing because your questions are a little bit weird. I’m confused, maybe the vibes is like we go home tonight and Türkiye stays (in the World Cup), no?”

The USMNT were heavy favorites to prevail against the hapless Turkiye side who had not scored a goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far. But Montella’s side tore the script apart with a spirited display to down the tournament co-hosts and bow out on a high.

USMNT face Bosnia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32

With the group stages wrapped up, the USMNT now turn their attention to the Round of 32 as they begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The Stars and Stripes come up against the Balkan side on July 1 in Santa Clara in a fixture that looks winnable for them on paper.

Pochettino’s side possesses immense attacking firepower, having netted eight goals in the group stages, while also looking dominant in midfield.

Moreover, the USMNT also boast an unbeaten record against the Bosnians; in their three previous clashes, they’ve won twice and drawn once.