Türkiye Secures Dramatic 3-2 Victory Over USA in FIFA World Cup 2026
Türkiye concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-2 win against the United States. Kaan Ayhan scored the winning goal in stoppage time, while the US prepares to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the upcoming Round of 32 following their successful group stage performance.
Highlights
- •Kaan Ayhan scored the winning goal in the final minutes of stoppage time.
- •The United States had already secured the top position in Group D.
- •Christian Pulisic returned to play after recovering from a calf injury.
- •The United States will next face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
In a dramatic conclusion to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, Türkiye secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday night. The match, held in Inglewood, saw Kaan Ayhan net the deciding goal during the final moments of play, providing Türkiye with their only win of the tournament.
Although Türkiye had been previously eliminated from contention, they demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the fixture. The scoring began early when Auston Trusty found the net in the third minute for the United States. Later, Sebastian Berhalter added a second goal for the American side early in the second half. Despite these efforts, the United States team—having already clinched the top spot in Group D following earlier successes against Paraguay and Australia—could not hold off their opponents.
Performance and tactical shifts in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match
Coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to rotate his lineup, fielding nine new starters for this encounter, which held little impact on the standings for his team. A significant moment for the American supporters occurred in the 58th minute when Christian Pulisic made his return to the pitch. The star player had been sidelined since the first half of the tournament opener due to a calf injury, and his presence on the field served as a notable development for the team as they look toward future matches.
The first half showcased the determination of the Turkish squad, with both Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü finding the back of the net. This performance set the stage for a tense second half, as both teams fought to assert control at the Los Angeles stadium. The match remained competitive until the very end, keeping spectators engaged as the clock wound down in stoppage time.
The decisive breakthrough occurred in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Can Uzun navigated into space near the back post and directed the ball toward a sprawling Matt Turner. The American goalkeeper was unable to stop the play, allowing Kaan Ayhan to slide in and secure the winning goal. Following this final group stage match, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are now shifting their focus toward the upcoming Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina this coming Wednesday. This victory serves as a memorable exit for Türkiye, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
