Match Summary: Turkey 3-2 USA
| Detail | Info |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| Date | June 25, 2026 |
| Group D Result | USA finish 1st (6 pts), Turkey eliminated |
| Last 32 Opponent | Bosnia-Herzegovina (July 1, Santa Clara) |
| US Goal Scorers | Auston Trusty (3′), Sebastian Berhalter (55′) |
| Turkey Goal Scorers | Arda Guler (18′), Orkun Kokcu (40′), Kaan Ayhan (90+6′) |
How It Unfolded
The co-hosts made a dream start. Inside just 2 minutes and 13 seconds, Celtic defender Auston Trusty powered home a low drive from a corner — the second-fastest US goal in World Cup history, behind only Clint Dempsey’s 30-second strike against Ghana in 2014.
With Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, and Owen Wilson soaking up the party atmosphere in the stands, things looked bright for Mauricio Pochettino’s heavily rotated side (nine changes from the Australia game).
But Turkey, already eliminated after two straight losses, refused to go quietly. Arda Guler — Real Madrid’s teenage sensation — equalized with a close-range finish, and Orkun Kokcu put Turkey ahead before halftime after a sweeping move involving Guler.
The US came out firing in the second half. Sebastian Berhalter smashed a 20-yard screamer into the bottom corner to level the score. Then came a frantic finale: Christian Pulisic went close three times, denied only by brilliant saves from Turkish keeper Ugurcan Cakir, who tipped one effort against the post.
Just when it looked like a draw, Kaan Ayhan turned home a late cross with the literal last kick of the game — silencing the LA crowd but sending the US into the knockout stage as group winners regardless.
Pochettino’s Revolution
Despite the loss, the mood around the US camp remains electric. Pochettino has transformed the team’s mentality since taking charge, replacing an underdog mindset with genuine belief.
On the walls of his hotel office hang the words “Why not us?” and “Now is our time!” — and the players have bought in completely.
“He brings that South American spirit that we’ve been missing. We’ve always been the good guys, so now it’s kind of nice being on the other end and being the aggressor.” — Tim Weah
The US started the tournament with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay and a composed 2-0 victory over Australia. Fans are belting out John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads after wins, and there’s a feeling this team could do something special.
What’s Next: Last 32 vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina 🇧🇦 | July 1, 2026 | 8:00 PM ET | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
A win would set up a potential Round of 16 clash against one of the group runners-up, keeping the dream alive for the co-hosts and their passionate fans.
FAQ
Did the US still advance to the knockout stage?
Yes. Despite the loss, the US finished top of Group D with 6 points, ahead of Australia and Paraguay. Turkey finished bottom and were eliminated.
Who scored for the USA?
Auston Trusty scored in the 3rd minute (second-fastest US World Cup goal ever) and Sebastian Berhalter equalized with a long-range strike in the 55th minute.
When is the USA’s next match?
The US faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1 (8:00 PM ET) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Can the USA actually win the World Cup?
Under Pochettino, the team’s belief is sky-high. They’ve mixed exciting young talent with experienced European-based performers and have genuine momentum. The “Why not us?” mentality is real.
Final Verdict: The US showed character coming back from 2-1 down and were unlucky not to win. If they tighten up defensively and keep Pulisic firing, this team can make a deep run. Buckle up — it’s going to be a wild July.
Looking for more World Cup coverage? Check out our latest World Cup roundup or our knockout stage preview.