Turkey secured a 3-2 victory over World Cup co-hosts United States in a FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium on Friday, June 26, 2026, despite already being eliminated from the tournament.
Substitute Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive goal in the 98th minute in front of an attendance of 70,492 in Los Angeles, according to a report by Sky Sports.
The United States opened the scoring in the third minute when Auston Trusty converted from a corner kick.
Turkey responded with goals from Arda Guler in the 10th minute and Baris Yilmaz in the 31st minute to take the lead.
Sebastian Berhalter equalized for the home nation four minutes after halftime with a low strike from the edge of the penalty box.
Christian Pulisic made a substitute appearance in the 58th minute following a calf injury.
Pulisic generated three shot opportunities during his appearance, including a looping effort that Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir deflected onto the post, as well as a subsequent shot saved by Cakir following a pass from Berhalter.
The victory restored pride for Vincenzo Montella's Turkey side after consecutive defeats against Australia and Paraguay.
The result marked the first loss of the tournament for the squad managed by Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the defeat, the United States finished as the winners of Group D and will advance to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 in San Francisco at 1 a.
m. on Thursday, July 2.
McKennie: Loss Will Motivate USA
"Turkey were very clinical and finished their chances," said USA midfielder Winston McKennie.
McKennie expressed confidence in the squad depth and noted that the loss would serve as an incentive for the upcoming knockout stages.
"The momentum will still be there for us, for sure.
Everyone wants to go into the next game having won the previous game, but I think it's going to motivate us even more," said McKennie.
The midfielder emphasized that every individual on the roster is capable of making a meaningful contribution on the field.
"All 26 players we have on this roster can step up and do the job.
We believe in everyone on this roster, and that everyone will step up and contribute to the team," said McKennie.
McKennie also praised the impact of his returning teammate who created multiple scoring opportunities late in the game.
"He's [Pulisic] a special player.... he can come in and be that player to create something out of thin air.
It was good to see him back on the pitch and hopefully see him again in San Francisco," said McKennie.
