Turkiye defeated the United States 3-2 in a recent World Cup 2026 match, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. This result provided a significant test for the co-hosts ahead of the knockout rounds, despite both teams making substantial changes to their lineups.
The US, already confirmed as Group D winners, aimed for a third consecutive victory but had their upcoming last-32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina in mind. Turkiye, having been eliminated from the tournament after losses to Paraguay and Australia, played for pride.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The US started strongly, with Auston Trusty scoring the opening goal. Trusty, a backup centre-back, found himself unmarked at the far post from a corner, cushioning the ball before striking it into the net. This marked his first international goal and was noted as the second-fastest for the US in a World Cup at just under three minutes.
Turkiye quickly responded, with Arda Guler equalising in the 10th minute. Guler, a forward, skillfully evaded Mark McKenzie and passed to Baris Alper Yilmaz, who then crossed it back to Guler for the shot past Matt Turner. The match saw increased intensity, including a protest from Turkiye‘s bench following a foul by Sebastian Berhalter, who received a yellow card.
The US briefly thought they had regained the lead when McKenzie scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Turkiye then took the lead in the 31st minute. Guler initiated the play, feeding Eren Elmali, who cut the ball back for Yilmaz to score.
After the half-time interval, the US leveled the score in the 49th minute. A long throw from McKenzie was cleared by Turkiye only as far as Berhalter, who then struck a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
A significant moment occurred just before the hour mark when Christian Pulisic entered the game. Pulisic, considered a major star for the US, returned after aggravating an injury in the first half of their opening match against Paraguay. His introduction was met with chants of “USA” from the crowd, and he immediately showed his presence, with several attempts on goal.
Turkiye continued to press, with a shot from Yildiz narrowly missing the goal in the 72nd minute. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Ayhan scored from close range, securing the victory for Turkiye.
Post-Match Reflections
Despite the loss, there were positive aspects for the US, including the return of Pulisic. Weston McKennie, the only US player to start all three group games, was substituted late in the match, with Malik Tillman taking his place and Pulisic receiving the armband.
McKennie expressed that the team’s momentum would remain, stating that not winning the game would motivate them further. He also mentioned that all 26 players on the roster are capable of performing their roles. The match also saw Trusty briefly leave the field due to injury, though he later returned, and there were no yellow card suspensions or new injuries reported for the USA.
For Turkiye, the victory provided a sense of redemption after their earlier elimination. The team’s passionate play was evident throughout the match, culminating in Ayhan’s late winner.
The US players gathered in a circle after the final whistle, appearing determined not to let the defeat overshadow their campaign, which had started strongly.
The next fixture for the US is a last-32 meeting against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Source: theguardian.com
