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The United States men’s national soccer team lost its final Group D match to Turkey, 3-2, as Kaan Ayhan scored on the last shot of the game, dealing a fatal blow to his home country.
The only caveat, and the most important one: this match never mattered to their chances of winning the FIFA World Cup.
Yes, Team USA was trying to build momentum into the Round of 16 next week and even make national history as the first team to win three World Cup matches. Instead, it’s a light heartbreak in Los Angeles.
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Sebastian Berhalter of the United States celebrates his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the United States at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Turkey, who had a lackluster tournament, will return home on a high note as they celebrate their hard-fought victory against a USMNT side that saw nine changes to the starting XI from head coach Mauricio Pochettino to keep the players fresh for next week.
The crowd shook during the national anthem, but all of Inglewood, California, probably felt the moment Auston Trusty hammered home a Sebastian Berhalter corner just three minutes into the game against Türkiye.
Trusty made a dead sprint to the U.S. bench, as the sold-out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium cheered.
But Turkey, despite having no chance of advancing in the tournament, did not take this match lightly. Just seven minutes later, Arda Güler, the 21-year-old who plays for Real Madrid, took advantage of poor American coverage and buried the ball past Matt Turner, taking over from Matt Freese in goal, to level the score at one apiece.
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It was a physical match, with the United States showing that this match still meant something as they sought history as the only team to win three World Cup matches. Meanwhile, Türkiye played for pride, and it was written on their faces.
However, it was Türkiye who broke the tie first, as Orkun Kökçü had a clean look right in front of goal thanks to some solid passing into the American box. He tapped it and the crowd calmed down a bit.
Auston Trusty of the United States celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the United States at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA)
The first half ended with Türkiye in front, but if there’s one way to get the crowd moving in the second half, it’s seeing “Captain America” finally back on the field. Christian Pulisic only played 45 minutes in this World Cup due to a left calf injury, missing the entire match against Australia.
But Pulisic said he felt 100% before the match, and instead of letting him sit out until the round of 16, Pochettino thought it wise to give him time. He immediately made an impact, forcing Türkiye back into his defensive zone, which ultimately led to a moment where a throw-in led to a pinball that landed at Berhalter’s foot.
Berhalter hit a low shot and, through traffic, the ball flew past the Turkish goalkeeper to tie the score at two apiece. Once again, after just three minutes of play, all the momentum shifted back to the hosts.
Both teams did their best to break the tie once again, with Pulisic having the best chance with a left-footed strike that just went off the left post. However, Ayhan’s heroic slide to send the ball into the back of the US net is how this one ended just before the final whistle.
Gio Reyna of the United States and Orkun Kokcu of Turkey fight for the ball during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and the United States in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The USMNT will play its round of 16 on July 1 at 8 p.m. in the San Francisco Bay Area.
