USMNT Falls to Turkey in Final Group D Match at 2026 World Cup

The US Men's National Team came close to ending their 2026 World Cup group stage on a high note in Los Angeles, but Turkey scored in the dying moments to snatch a 3-2 victory. This final match held no stakes, as the U.S. had already secured the top spot in Group D and Turkey was eliminated after two losses.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino fielded a heavily rotated squad that showed promise, especially from Sebastian Berhalter, who impressed by assisting and scoring. Early on, Berhalter set up Auston Trusty for a third-minute goal before finding the net himself shortly after halftime.

Turkey capitalized on defensive lapses by the USMNT to score twice through Arda Guler and Orkun Kokcu, taking a 2-1 lead just past the half-hour mark. Despite being eliminated before kickoff and playing below their earlier tournament standards, the Europeans managed to hold on.

After missing the previous game with a calf issue, Christian Pulisic came off the bench and immediately energized the U.S. attack. Yet, injury troubles struck again late when Trusty twisted his ankle, leaving the team shorthanded in stoppage time. That disadvantage contributed to Turkey's winning goal from substitute Kaan Ayhan in the final kick.

Match Details

• 3rd minute: Trusty scores early off Berhalter's corner delivery.
• 10th minute: Turkey equalizes through Arda Guler after defensive errors.
• 31st minute: Orkun Kokcu puts Turkey ahead with a slick team move.
• 48th minute: Berhalter blasts a 21-yard shot to level the score at 2-2.
• 58th minute: Christian Pulisic enters, injecting energy into the U.S. attack.
• 90+8 minute: Kaan Ayhan nets the winner for Turkey during a frantic scramble.

The defeat, though meaningless in terms of standings, left a sour taste for the USMNT after a strong showing from mostly backup players. Berhalter’s unique achievement as the first modern U.S. man to both assist and score in the same World Cup game stands out amid the disappointment.

Despite this setback, the United States advances confidently into the knockout rounds where they will face Bosnia & Herzegovina.