USMNT Falls to Türkiye in Last-Minute Thriller, Ending Perfect Group Stage Run at World Cup 2026
The United States men's national team’s flawless run through the group stage of the 2026 World Cup ended in dramatic fashion Thursday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Despite already securing first place in Group D and having their Round-of-32 opponent set, the USMNT suffered a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye with a stoppage-time goal that stunned both players and fans.
Substitute Kaan Ayhan's decisive strike in the eighth minute of added time capped off a hectic match where the U.S., resting several starters including Christian Pulisic, initially took an early lead but faced a resilient Turkish side fighting to redeem their campaign.
Early Momentum and Defensive Woes
With many key players on the bench due to rotation or yellow card caution, the Americans still struck quickly. Auston Trusty netted a goal just three minutes into the game, assisted by Sebastian Berhalter, marking one of the fastest goals in recent U.S. World Cup history.
Yet, Türkiye responded with two first-half goals. Arda Güler, the Real Madrid starlet, played a pivotal role in both, setting up Barış Alper-Yilmaz and Orkun Kökçü to overcome the American defense, which struggled to contain the Turkish attack.
Second Half Fightback
After the break, Sebastian Berhalter unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the box to even the score. Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute amid cheers, showing signs of his pre-injury form by creating multiple chances, although Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made several remarkable saves.
Auston Trusty briefly left the field clutching an ankle injury but returned despite the team having no substitutions left. The USMNT pressed hard for the winner, with Weston McKennie shifting to defensive midfield following Cristian Roldan's absence due to injury.
Final Moments and Aftermath
Just when it seemed the U.S. might salvage a draw, a lapse in defense allowed Arda Güler to outmaneuver Pulisic and set up Can Uzun, who delivered a dangerous cross past goalkeeper Matt Turner. Kaan Ayhan slid in to finish the play, securing the victory for Türkiye.
The result will sting for coach Mauricio Pochettino and his squad as they prepare to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout round. Despite the loss, the team’s performance across the group stage remains their best in decades, signaling progress ahead.
Lineup Notes and Tactical Adjustments
Coach Pochettino rotated heavily, resting starters like Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, and Folarin Balogun to avoid suspensions and injuries. This gave minutes to players like goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Trusty and Mark McKenzie, and midfielders Berhalter and Gio Reyna.
Despite some surprises, such as Turner starting over Sean Johnson (Freese), the lineup showed depth. Yet, the defensive struggles against Türkiye exposed vulnerabilities that will need addressing before the knockout stages.
Türkiye's Struggles and Late Resurgence
Before this match, Türkiye had failed to score in their opening two games, drawing criticism from media and fans alike. Coach Vincenzo Montella defended his players, calling them "our boys and the future." Their spirited performance against the U.S. breathed new life into their tournament, delivering a memorable upset despite being already eliminated.
Match Timeline Highlights
- 3': Auston Trusty scores, assisted by Sebastian Berhalter.
- 8': Barış Alper-Yilmaz equalizes after Arda Güler’s setup.
- First Half End: Orkun Kökçü puts Türkiye ahead following a well-worked move involving Güler.
- 49': Sebastian Berhalter scores a stunning equalizer with a powerful shot.
- 58': Christian Pulisic enters the game, energizing the U.S. attack.
- 90+8': Kaan Ayhan nets the winning goal for Türkiye.
This match leaves the USMNT with questions about consistency and defensive solidity but also hope after a strong group phase. The team will now shift focus to their upcoming elimination match, aiming to build on what was largely a positive showing.
