USMNT Falls to Türkiye in Final Moments, Ending Perfect World Cup Group Stage

The United States men's national team experienced a crushing end to its flawless group stage run in the 2026 World Cup. Despite earlier dominant performances and securing top spot in Group D early, they were stunned by Türkiye at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, conceding a goal deep into stoppage time.

With most starters rested, including Christian Pulisic, the U.S. struck early as Auston Trusty scored within three minutes, assisted by Sebastian Berhalter. Yet, defensive lapses allowed Türkiye to take the lead with two goals before halftime — a first deficit for the Americans in this tournament.

Berhalter’s powerful equalizer in the second half reignited hope, but substitute Kaan Ayhan's decisive strike in the eighth minute of added time sealed a 3-2 win for Türkiye, ending the U.S.'s perfect streak and leaving Mauricio Pochettino’s squad disappointed.

Lineup Changes and Player Updates

Pulisic returned in the 58th minute after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out of the previous game. Cristian Roldan was sidelined due to a quadriceps strain, prompting Weston McKennie to shift into a deeper midfield role. Four key starters—Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, and Folarin Balogun—were rested to avoid suspension risk from accumulated yellow cards.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner started in place of Freese, who had no fitness or disciplinary issues but was rotated out. Several players made their first tournament appearances in this match, including Turner, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie, and Brendan Aaronson.

Match Dynamics and Key Moments

The game began with high pressure from the U.S., which paid off almost immediately when Trusty finished off a corner kick chance. This marked the second-fastest goal by the U.S. in World Cup history, trailing only Clint Dempsey’s 2014 strike against Ghana.

Türkiye, despite earlier struggles scoring in the tournament, responded swiftly. Arda Güler, a standout player for Real Madrid, orchestrated both goals before halftime. His skillful play confused the U.S. defense, leading to assists for Barış Alper-Yılmaz and Orkun Kökçü’s finishes.

In the second half, the U.S. pressed hard. Berhalter’s thunderous shot leveled the score early on, and Pulisic created several dangerous opportunities, testing Turkish keeper Uğurcan Çakır multiple times. The American defense showed vulnerability throughout, allowing Türkiye to capitalize in the dying moments.

Final Moments and Aftermath

Auston Trusty suffered an ankle injury late in the game but returned to the field despite the U.S. having no remaining substitutions. Defensive breakdowns persisted, culminating in a flurry of pressure from Türkiye in stoppage time.

Kaan Ayhan’s goal came after a clever move by Güler, who nutmegged Pulisic and sent a cross through the U.S. defense. The ball slipped past Turner and three defenders before Ayhan slid it into the net, silencing the home crowd and handing Türkiye a dramatic victory.

This loss leaves the U.S. with much to prove as they prepare for their Round-of-32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. Despite the defeat, the team demonstrated resilience and attacking flair but must tighten their defensive play moving forward.

Match Summary Timeline

• 3rd minute: Auston Trusty scores early for the U.S.
• First half: Türkiye scores twice through Barış Alper-Yılmaz and Orkun Kökçü.
• 49th minute: Sebastian Berhalter equalizes with a powerful shot.
• 58th minute: Christian Pulisic enters as a substitute.
• 90+8 minute: Kaan Ayhan scores the winning goal for Türkiye.

Although the final game held no bearing on group standings, the last-minute defeat halted the U.S.’s momentum. With the knockout stages ahead, Mauricio Pochettino’s team will need to address defensive concerns if they hope to advance further in the tournament.