The United States men's national team lost its final World Cup Group D match to Turkey, 3-2, after a goal by Kaan Ayhan in the final seconds. The result, however, did not affect the team's advancement to the knockout stage.
Sebastian Berhalter of the United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The U.S. had already secured its place in the round of 32. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup to manage player fitness. Turkey, already eliminated, played for pride.
The U.S. took an early lead through Auston Trusty. Turkey equalized quickly via Real Madrid's Arda Güler and took the lead before halftime through Orkun Kökçü.
Auston Trusty of the United States celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA)
Christian Pulisic, returning from a calf injury, entered at halftime and immediately impacted the game. Sebastian Berhalter scored the equalizer early in the second half.
United States' Gio Reyna and Turkey's Orkun Kokcu battle for the ball during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The match appeared headed for a draw until Ayhan's decisive late goal. The U.S. will next play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.