Turkey signed off from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in Los Angeles, scoring deep into stoppage time to claim their first World Cup win since 2002 despite already being eliminated from the tournament.
The hosts made a dream start in front of a star-studded crowd that included Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Owen Wilson. Defender Auston Trusty fired home from close range after being left unmarked at a corner just two minutes and 13 seconds into the match. The goal became the second-fastest ever scored by the United States at a World Cup, behind Clint Dempsey’s strike after 30 seconds against Ghana in 2014.
Turkey, who had lost both of their previous group matches, quickly found their rhythm. Arda Guler netted his country’s first goal of the tournament after finishing Baris Alper Yilmaz’s clever reverse pass from close range.
The visitors then completed the turnaround before half-time. A flowing move involving the influential Guler ended with Orkun Kokcu’s effort taking a slight touch off Yilmaz before finding the net to put Vincenzo Montella’s side ahead.
The United States responded with greater urgency after the interval. Sebastian Berhalter equalised with a powerful 20-yard strike into the bottom corner, setting up an entertaining finish.
Christian Pulisic, introduced from the bench as he continued his return from injury, came close to restoring the lead on three occasions. Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir produced an outstanding save to push one of his efforts onto the post and keep Turkey level.
Turkey also threatened in the closing stages. Kenan Yildiz curled an effort narrowly wide, while Yilmaz slipped at a crucial moment when well placed to score.
With the final seconds ticking away, Can Uzun redirected the ball into the penalty area, where Kaan Ayhan reacted quickest to prod home the winning goal with virtually the last kick of the match.
Although the defeat ended the Americans’ unbeaten run after victories over Paraguay and Australia, Mauricio Pochettino’s side still finished top of the group and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on 2 July in Santa Clara.
Pochettino made nine changes to his starting line-up, resting several players carrying yellow cards and giving valuable minutes to squad members ahead of the knockout rounds. Only three players in the starting XI had previously started a World Cup match.
The US coach insisted the performance would strengthen his squad despite the defeat, highlighting the importance of building fitness and squad depth before the knockout stage.
Pochettino said he was surprised by the gloomy atmosphere after the match, pointing out that the United States had achieved their objective of winning a difficult group. He praised his players, staff and supporters, adding that the team had grown stronger through the experience and was now better prepared for the challenges ahead.