Türkiye edge USA 3-2 with dramatic late strike

Türkiye ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time goal to defeat the United States 3-2 in their final Group D match at Los Angeles Stadium.

Substitute Kaan Ayhan struck in the 98th minute to hand the Americans their first defeat of the tournament. Despite the loss, the United States advanced to the Round of 32 as Group D winners, having already secured qualification before kickoff.

With qualification already guaranteed, United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the side that defeated Australia, giving several squad players an opportunity.

The Americans made the perfect start, taking the lead in the third minute through defender Auston Trusty, who converted Sebastian Berhalter’s corner for his first international goal and one of the fastest goals in U.S. World Cup history.

Türkiye responded swiftly, drawing level in the 10th minute when Arda Güler combined with Barış Alper Yılmaz before finishing past goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Turks completed the turnaround in the 31st minute as Yılmaz finished from close range after a well-worked move involving Güler and Eren Elmalı to give his side a 2-1 halftime lead.

The United States restored parity shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Berhalter fired a powerful low strike from outside the penalty area after Mark McKenzie’s long throw was only partially cleared.

Pochettino introduced captain Christian Pulisic in the 58th minute following his recovery from a calf injury. The AC Milan forward immediately added urgency to the American attack and came close to scoring five minutes later, but his effort was tipped onto the post by Türkiye goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but it was Türkiye who found the decisive breakthrough deep into stoppage time. Can Uzun delivered a low cross across the face of goal, allowing Ayhan to slide in and score the winning goal in the 98th minute.

Speaking after the match, Pochettino insisted the defeat would not affect his team’s preparations for the knockout rounds, stressing that squad rotation was necessary to protect key players.

“We wanted to win, but we also had other priorities,” the Argentine said. “The objective was to finish first in the group, and we achieved that.”

The defeat leaves the United States on six points but still top of Group D, while Türkiye exit the tournament with a morale-boosting victory after earlier defeats to Paraguay and Australia.

The United States will now turn its attention to a Round of 32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.