Turkey ended its 2026 World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States after Kaan Ayhan scored with the final kick of the match in a thrilling Group D encounter at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night.
The result gave Turkey its only win of the tournament after defeats in its opening two matches had already ended its hopes of progressing. For the United States, the defeat had little impact on its World Cup ambitions, having already secured top spot in Group D with victories over Paraguay and Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will now turn its attention to the Round of 32, where it is scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.
United States Strike Early Before Turkey Respond
The hosts made the perfect start when Auston Trusty found the net in the third minute, sending the packed SoFi Stadium crowd into celebration.
The early goal was the Americans’ seventh of the tournament, equalling the country’s scoring record in a World Cup before the knockout phase had even begun.
It also carried wider tournament significance, becoming the 173rd goal scored at the competition. That total surpassed the combined goals scored at the World Cup in Qatar four years earlier, despite being achieved in four fewer matches.
Turkey, however, responded with determination.
In the 10th minute, Baris Alper Yilmaz combined effectively with Arda Güler, whose composed finish brought Turkey level.
The equaliser shifted momentum, and Turkey continued to make the most of its opportunities despite creating relatively few chances.
Güler Inspires Turkey’s First-Half Comeback
Güler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, played a central role in Turkey’s attacking play.
After scoring the equaliser, he was involved again in the 31st minute, delivering the pass that eventually led to Orkun Kökü finishing from close range to give Turkey a 2-1 advantage.
Remarkably, Turkey converted both of its shots on target during the opening half, making its efficiency in front of goal count against the group winners.
The performance reflected the resilience Turkey had shown throughout the tournament despite suffering defeats in its opening two matches while, according to the match report, largely dominating those games statistically.
Berhalter Levels as Pulisic Returns
The United States restored parity shortly after the restart.
Sebastian Berhalter capitalised on a loose ball around 20 yards from goal before unleashing a powerful strike in the 49th minute to make it 2-2.
With qualification already secured, Pochettino had rotated heavily for the match, selecting nine new starters. Even so, he introduced Christian Pulisic in the 58th minute as the United States searched for a winning goal.
The appearance marked Pulisic’s first action since he was forced off at half-time during the Americans’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay nearly two weeks earlier because of a calf injury.
The AC Milan midfielder received a huge ovation from the home supporters and immediately influenced proceedings, creating a chance with an energetic run down the left flank only minutes after coming on.
He came even closer in the 63rd minute when his first-time effort from Berhalter’s pass was tipped onto the post by Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Brenden Aaronson was then unable to convert the rebound.
Ayhan Delivers the Decisive Blow
As the match entered stoppage time, both teams appeared destined to share the points.
Instead, Turkey produced one final attack.
In the eighth minute of added time, Can Uzun found space at the back post and pushed the ball beyond goalkeeper Matt Turner before squaring for Kaan Ayhan, who slid in to score with the final touch of the contest.
The dramatic finish secured Turkey’s first and only victory of the tournament, ending its World Cup campaign on a high despite elimination.
For the United States, the defeat did little to diminish an otherwise impressive group-stage campaign. Having already sealed first place in Group D before kick-off, Pochettino’s side now shifts its full focus to the Round of 32, where Bosnia-Herzegovina awaits in the knockout stage.
