By Daniel Akinte
Turkey ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high with a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts the United States, courtesy of Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time winner at SoFi Stadium on Friday.
Although the result came too late to save their tournament, Vincenzo Montella’s side finally found the cutting edge that had eluded them in their opening two defeats.
The USA, meanwhile, had already secured top spot in Group D before kick-off and will now turn their attention to a round-of-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Americans made the perfect start, taking the lead after just three minutes when defender Auston Trusty powered home from a corner.
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Turkey responded positively and drew level seven minutes later through Arda Güler, whose composed finish rewarded an improved attacking display. Barış Yılmaz then completed the turnaround in the 31st minute, finishing from close range after sustained pressure from the Turkish side.
The USA restored parity shortly after the restart as Sebastian Berhalter fired a low effort into the net from the edge of the box, setting up an entertaining second half.
One of the biggest positives for Mauricio Pochettino’s side was the return of Christian Pulisic.
The captain made his first appearance since suffering a calf injury in the opening group game and looked lively after coming off the bench. He came close to scoring twice, first striking the post after a fine save from goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır before being denied again in a one-on-one situation.
Just as the match appeared destined to end level, Turkey found a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. Can Uzun’s dangerous cross-shot fell kindly for substitute Kaan Ayhan, who bundled the ball over the line in the 98th minute to hand his side a deserved victory.
Despite the defeat, the USA finish the group stage as winners of Group D after victories over Paraguay and Australia in their opening two matches. They will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32, buoyed by the timely return of Pulisic ahead of the knockout rounds.
Turkey, meanwhile, leave the tournament with renewed confidence after finally converting their chances. Having failed to score despite registering 62 shots in their first two matches, Montella’s side signed off with three goals and a memorable victory, even if it was not enough to extend their World Cup journey.
USA midfielder Weston McKennie insisted the defeat would not dent the team’s confidence.
“Turkey were clinical with the chances they created,” McKennie said. “Of course we’d have preferred to go into the knockout stage with another win, but this result will only motivate us even more. We believe in every player in this squad, and having Christian back is a massive boost for us.”
While Turkey’s World Cup dream came to an end, they departed Los Angeles with pride restored. For the USA, attention now shifts to the knockout stage, where bigger challenges await.