Türkiye edge US in thriller to go out on a high

Already-eliminated Türkiye stunned co-host United States, which had already secured top spot in Group D, 3-2 on Thursday in their World Cup group finale.

Türkiye snatched the winner in the final seconds of stoppage time through veteran defender Kaan Ayhan, who finished from close range after a scramble in the penalty area.

It was the first time the two sides had met at a World Cup. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes, resting midfielder Tyler Adams, forward Folarin Balogun, center-back Chris Richards and left-back Antonee Robinson, all of whom were one yellow card away from suspension. Türkiye also rotated heavily, making seven changes to its starting lineup.

The Americans made a flying start through defender Auston Trusty after only three minutes. Assisted by midfielder Sebastian Berhalter following a corner, Trusty fired a powerful shot from a tight angle into the bottom right corner.

Trusty has secured a Scottish league and cup double with Celtic. The 27-year-old represented the United States on the global stage at both the U17 and U20 levels and scored his first FIFA World Cup goal in just his 10th appearance at senior level.

Türkiye leveled in the 10th minute, when Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler was left unmarked in the middle of the box after a slick team move and found the net from close range.

Guler, aged 21 years and 120 days, became Türkiye's youngest FIFA World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Emre Belozoglu, who was 21 years and 275 days when he played against Costa Rica in 2002.

It was also Türkiye's first goal at this World Cup after it had lost 2-0 to Australia and 1-0 to Paraguay in Group D.

In the 31st minute, Türkiye took the lead with another quick attack full of sharp passes and crosses. Baris Alper Yilmaz applied the finish at the goalmouth to give his side a 2-1 lead.

Both sides focused more on attacking than defending. Shortly before Türkiye's second goal, a U.S. effort was ruled out for offside.

The attacking trend continued in the second half. Berhalter's powerful strike from outside the box tied the score in the 49th minute and lifted the American crowd to its feet.

The co-host United States has now scored eight goals at the 2026 finals, surpassing its previous best of seven in 1930 and 2002.

U.S. star forward Christian Pulisic sat on the bench in the first half and was sent on in the 58th minute. He has been battling a left calf injury since sustaining a knock on June 10. He attempted to play through the injury two days later, but was kicked in the same place in the Paraguay game.

Despite the win, Türkiye is heading home. In the round of 32, the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco on July 1.