The United States of America (USA) failed to maintain their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a 3-2 loss in the last Group D match against already eliminated, Turkey, at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, United States (US) on Friday 26 June, 2026.
Head Coach, Mauricio Pochettino, made nine (9) changes to the USA line-up, with Austin Trusty, who fileds for Scottish Premiership side, Celtic, as defender, placing the Yanks in front in the 3rd minute of action.
Trusty launched a low shot past Ugurcan Cakir, goalkeeper of the Crescent-Stars, after being left unmarked at a corner.
The game had Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Owen Wilson in attendance.
Turkey, who have recorded no win after two (2) games, fought back and levelled from close range in the 10th minute through Real Madrid attacking midfielder, Arda Güler, with an assist from Galatasaray winger, Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Güler’s goal was Turkey’s first at the FIFA World Cup 2026; the European side headed into the clash against the Americans with zero (0) point after losing 0-2 and 0-1 to Australia and Paraguay respectively.
In the 31st minute, Yilmaz made it two (2) for Turkey, a goal that involved Güler; turning the game around against the Americans.
After falling behind 2-1 at half time, Mauricio Pochettino’s Yanks returned to action after the break and quickly found the leveller in the 49th minute through Sebastian Berhalter, with the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder’s effort into the bottom corner.
In the 8th minute of additional time, Turkey found the winner through Kaan Ayhan, the Galatasaray defender turned home Can Uzun’s touch towards goal.
Despite the victory in Los Angeles, Turkey are home-bound after finishing bottom of Group D, while, the USA progress to the knockouts, and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Photo: Kaan Ayhan celebrates after netting the winner deep in additional time for Turkey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final Group D game against USA in California, US
