Story perspectives

U.S. Beats Turkey 2-0, Freese Earns Sixth Shutout

6/25/2026

Summary

USA Faces Turkey

United States will face Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. PT in Los Angeles Stadium; Türkiye entered after 0-2 loss to Australia, 0-1 loss to Paraguay, posting 74.3% possession, xG 3.53 but no goals.
Matt Freese recorded his sixth World Cup shutout as the U.S. stays unbeaten 2-0.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino will sit four yellow-carded starters for the round-of-32.
Alex Freeman, the sixth youngest U.S. World Cup scorer, started all three games.

Summary

Montella Defends

Vincenzo Montella held a ten-minute press conference defending his Turkish players from harsh media attacks.
Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu and captain Hakan Çalhanoglu faced fans outside their Los Angeles hotel.
Arda Güler apologized publicly, calling the nation ashamed after Turkey recorded 62 shots and a 3.43 xG total, the most shot attempts without a goal since 1966.
Vincenzo Montella pledged the squad will fight for pride and the flag despite elimination from the tournament.

History

Historical Context

Turkey’s surprise bronze at the 2002 FIFA World Cup under coach Senol Günes marked its highest achievement, ending a decades-long drought. After missing eight tournaments, the team returned to the finals in 2026—its first World Cup appearance in 24 years—guided by Vincenzo Montella. The round-of-32 clash with the United States therefore revives the nation’s historic breakthrough.

1 of 3

USA Faces Turkey

United States will face Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. PT in Los Angeles Stadium; Türkiye entered after 0-2 loss to Australia, 0-1 loss to Paraguay, posting 74.3% possession, xG 3.53 but no goals.
Matt Freese recorded his sixth World Cup shutout as the U.S. stays unbeaten 2-0.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino will sit four yellow-carded starters for the round-of-32.
Alex Freeman, the sixth youngest U.S. World Cup scorer, started all three games.

1 / 3