Story perspectives

U.S. 3-2 loss to Turkey, still tops group, faces Bosnia

6/27/2026

Summary

US Tops Group

The United States lost 3–2 to Turkey on June 26, 2026 but topped Group D.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, men’s national team coach, said reporters did not congratulate the group win and called their questions weird and sad.
He said lineup featured nine changes from the June 19 win over Australia.
He praised Christian Pulisic’s return from a calf injury, noting his second-half impact.
The United States will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 in the round of 32.

Summary

US Defeat

The United States lost to Turkey while holding 52% possession and a lower xG of 2.01 versus Turkey’s 3.21.
The United States logged 18 shots, seven on target, and a goal plus an assist from nine corners, while Turkey logged nine shots, three on target, and four set-piece scores.
Coach Pochettino said the defeat is a teaching moment on defensive lapses and squad depth ahead of the Bosnia-Herzegovina round of 32.

Summary

Trusty Scores

3-2 loss produced the tournament’s 173rd goal, surpassing the total scored in the 2022 World Cup.
Auston Trusty’s third-minute header was the first U.S. World Cup goal by a Philadelphia-region native, echoing Bart McGhee’s 1930 strike.
Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella praised his players despite the side already being eliminated after losses to Australia and Paraguay.
The game drew 70,492 fans at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

History

Historical Context

From its surprise semifinal run in the inaugural 1930 World Cup—one of only 13 nations—to co-hosting the 2026 tournament, the United States has long sought deeper talent pools. After hiring former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024, the US entered the 2026 group stage at SoFi Stadium and fell 3-2 to Turkey, a reminder of past challenges.

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US Tops Group

The United States lost 3–2 to Turkey on June 26, 2026 but topped Group D.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino, men’s national team coach, said reporters did not congratulate the group win and called their questions weird and sad.
He said lineup featured nine changes from the June 19 win over Australia.
He praised Christian Pulisic’s return from a calf injury, noting his second-half impact.
The United States will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 in the round of 32.

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