Turkey Stun United States with Late Winner in Thrilling World Cup Group Clash

Posted : 26 June 2026

Turkey signed off from the FIFA World Cup with a memorable 3-2 victory over hosts the United States, as Kaan Ayhan scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner in an entertaining Group D encounter at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Although the result had no impact on the standings, it handed the already-qualified Americans their first defeat of the tournament.

Having already secured top spot in the group, the United States rested several regular starters with one eye on their upcoming round-of-32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Turkey, meanwhile, entered the match without a point or a goal after defeats to Paraguay and Australia, hoping to finish their campaign on a positive note.

The hosts made a dream start when defender Auston Trusty, one of several changes to the lineup, opened the scoring less than three minutes into the contest. Left unmarked from a corner, the Celtic centre-back controlled the ball before firing home his first international goal, which became the second-fastest goal ever scored by the United States at a FIFA World Cup.

Turkey responded quickly after struggling to find the net throughout their first two matches. Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler orchestrated the equaliser with clever movement before Barış Alper Yılmaz returned the ball for him to finish confidently past goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 10th minute.

The contest remained lively throughout the first half, with tempers briefly flaring after a challenge by Sebastian Berhalter prompted angry reactions from the Turkish bench. Berhalter was shown a yellow card, while the United States later had another goal ruled out for offside after Mark McKenzie converted from close range.

Turkey completed the first-half turnaround in the 31st minute. Güler again played a key role, releasing Eren Elmalı down the left before the wing-back delivered a cut-back that Yılmaz calmly converted to give his side a 2-1 advantage.

The Americans found their equaliser shortly after the restart. A long throw created confusion in the Turkish defence, allowing Berhalter to strike a low effort into the bottom corner and make it 2-2.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino then introduced Christian Pulisic just before the hour mark. Making his first appearance since aggravating an injury in the opening group match against Paraguay, the American captain immediately added energy to the attack, forcing multiple blocks and even seeing a deflected effort strike the post.

Despite increased pressure from both teams, the match appeared destined to end level until Turkey struck in stoppage time. Ayhan reacted quickest inside the penalty area to fire home from close range, sealing Turkey's first victory of the tournament and ending their World Cup campaign on a high.

While Turkey celebrated a morale-boosting triumph after a difficult group stage, the United States were left to reflect on their first setback of the competition before turning their attention to the knockout rounds, where they will look to quickly regain their momentum.

Turkey Stun United States with Late Winner in Thrilling World Cup Group Clash

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