World Cup

A back-and-forth group stage finale had an intensity that belied the game's actual importance.

By Hayden Bird

June 26, 2026 | 7:36 AM

3 minutes to read

The United States lost to Türkiye 3-2 in the co-host’s final group stage game of the 2026 World Cup.

An early Auston Trusty goal in the third minute was canceled out by a sustained response from Türkiye, who generated two first-half goals of their own from Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü.

A second-half strike from Sebastian Berhalter leveled the scoreline, but a stoppage time finish from Kaan Ayhan gave Turkish fans something to enjoy as they head out of the tournament. The U.S. still managed to win Group D despite the defeat, and will now move on to the knockout stage on Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Here are the takeaways:

Matt Turner gets a 2026 World Cup start amid wholesale changes

Following pre-tournament debate over which goalkeeper would start, it was the Revolution’s Matt Turner who ended up on the bench in the first two games. 

But with Pochettino opting to rest most of the regular starters — as the U.S. had already clinched its knockout round spot atop Group D — Turner was among the players to get the nod.

Initially, it looked like the rotated team would dominate. The Americans came out firing, with Trusty’s perfect first touch at the back post of a third minute corner followed by an equally exquisite finish to give the home team a well-received early goal:

Türkiye gobbles up the early U.S. lead

Ironically, considering the abysmal Turkish performance in their previous two games — resulting in an early and fairly unforeseen elimination in the group stage — the visitors struck back with intensity.

Showing a defensive bite and goal-scoring touch that had been distinctly lacking in the losses to Australia and Paraguay, Türkiye turned the momentum in their favor. They were rewarded when Güler tied things up in the 10th minute:

Turkish delight grew when they took the lead through a Kökçü finish following another U.S. defensive lapse:

Second half brings a Christian Pulisic cameo, but a Turkish winner

Facing a deficit for the first time in the World Cup, the U.S. responded quickly in the opening moments of the second half.

Resulting from another set piece (albeit indirectly from a long throw-in), Berhalter pounced on a bouncing rebound, lashing it home at the near-post:

Ten minutes later, the Americans subbed on their star, Christian Pulisic. The 27-year-old, who missed the second group stage game due to a calf injury, looked fresh and lively, nearly scoring five minutes after his entrance.

The game’s momentum ebbed and flowed for the remaining half-hour, with the U.S. creating several opportunities, but unable to find a goal. With virtually the last kick of the ball, Ayhan took advantage of another collective defensive breakdown from the Americans to score a late winner.

Looking ahead

Fortunately for the U.S., the defeat has essentially no major consequences, with the group already locked up (and their Round of 32 matchup set). The other piece of good news is that players like Pulisic (and other starters who appeared at various stages of the night) did not suffer injuries.

The defeat will be a cause for Pochettino to reflect and regroup, hopefully refocusing the U.S. defense (which allowed far too much space and was lackadaisical in its approach at crucial junctures).

The upcoming Round of 32 game with Bosnia and Herzegovina seems favorable for the U.S. on paper, looking to win its first knockout round match since 2002. Still, Thursday’s up-and-down performance showed a vulnerability that had not been present in the first two games. If the host country wants to make a run at the 2026 tournament, it will have to play a much sharper game on Wednesday.