Full Breakdown
Turkey Upsets USA in Final Group D Match, 3-2
6/26/2026, 6:16:24 AM
Match Overview
On June 25, 2026, the United States faced Turkey at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in the last Group D game of the 48-team World Cup. Turkey won 3-2 with a stoppage-time goal, handing the United States its first defeat of the tournament.
Background & Context
The United States had already secured the Group D title and a Round-of-32 berth with victories over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). Turkey entered the match eliminated after two losses and needed a win only for pride.
Key Moments
Auston Trusty gave the United States an early lead in the third minute. Turkey equalized ten minutes later through Arda Güler and took the lead in the 31st minute via Orkun Kökçü. Sebastian Berhalter scored the equalizer in the 49th minute. Kaan Ayhan’s slide-in from a corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time completed Turkey’s comeback, beating goalkeeper Matt Turner. Coach Mauricio Pochettino started nine newcomers and brought on Christian Pulisic in the 58th minute; Pulisic created a chance but his shot struck the post.
Data & Statistics
- Total goals: 5
- 173rd tournament goal, a new record for combined goals, reached four matches earlier than the Qatar 2022 record.
- Trusty’s strike was the United States’ seventh World Cup goal, tying the nation’s pre-knockout scoring record.
Official Statements & Responses
Pochettino said the rotation was meant to preserve freshness for the knockout stage. Midfielder Christian Pulisic stated he felt “100 %” ahead of the game and was ready to contribute after missing the opening match’s first half and the Australia fixture due to a calf injury.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts described the match as “meaningless” for U.S. qualification, noting that the loss only prevented a perfect group-stage record.
On-the-Ground Reports
The sold-out stadium stayed lively; fans continued chanting after the United States fell behind. The crowd’s excitement surged when Pulisic entered, with many fans calling him “Captain America.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source emphasizes the game’s irrelevance to U.S. advancement, while another highlights the team’s aim to build momentum for the Round of 32. No comment from the Turkish federation appears in the available reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Turkey's Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match for its only win of the World Cup.” — Article text
- “Trusty’s goal was the Americans’ seventh of the tournament, tying their scoring record for any World Cup before knockout play even begins.” — Article text
- “The game’s meaninglessness didn’t matter to the raucous sellout crowd that packed SoFi Stadium.” — Article text
- “The first half ended with Türkiye out in front, but if there’s one way to get the crowd going in the second half, it’s seeing "Captain America" finally back on the pitch.” — Article text
What’s Next for Team USA
The United States opens its Round-of-32 match on July 1 at 8 p.m. PT in Santa Clara, California, against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
