The United States closed its FIFA World Cup group-stage campaign with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Turkey but still advanced to the Round of 32 as Group D winners. Having already secured qualification with victories over Paraguay and Australia, head coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated much of his starting lineup, giving several squad players an opportunity ahead of the knockout rounds. Turkey, already eliminated from the tournament before kickoff, ended its campaign on a positive note with a stoppage-time winner, while the United States shifted its focus to an upcoming knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Match Result

Fast Start for the United States

The Americans made an ideal start when defender Auston Trusty scored in the third minute, giving the home side an early lead. The goal marked one of the fastest scored by the United States at a FIFA World Cup and appeared to put the team on course for a perfect group-stage record.

Turkey responded quickly, however, as Arda Güler equalized before Orkun Kökçü added a second goal later in the first half to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage. Despite entering the match without a goal in the tournament, Turkey capitalized on defensive mistakes and took its chances effectively.

Berhalter Levels the Match

The United States began the second half with renewed energy and found an equalizer through Sebastian Berhalter, whose goal capped an impressive individual performance after he had also assisted Trusty's opener. Berhalter was among several players seeking to make an impression as Pochettino rested many regular starters with qualification already secured.

Both teams created additional opportunities during an open second half, but neither could find another breakthrough until deep into stoppage time. The match remained evenly contested as coaches introduced substitutes in an effort to change the outcome.

Late Winner Seals Victory for Turkey

Turkey claimed victory with virtually the final kick of the match when substitute Kaan Ayhan scored in the eighth minute of added time. His close-range finish secured Turkey's first win of the tournament and denied the United States a third consecutive group-stage victory.

Although the result ended the Americans' unbeaten run, it did not affect their position at the top of Group D because qualification had already been secured before the final group fixture. Turkey, despite the victory, finished bottom of the group and was eliminated from the competition.

Squad Rotation Ahead of Knockout Stage

With first place already guaranteed, Pochettino made extensive changes to his starting lineup, resting several key players, including regular starters who had played major roles in earlier victories. Christian Pulisic returned from injury as a second-half substitute, gaining valuable minutes before the knockout rounds.

The rotation allowed younger and less experienced players to gain World Cup experience while reducing the risk of injuries and suspensions before the elimination stage. Although the defensive unit struggled at times, the coaching staff viewed the match as an opportunity to evaluate squad depth ahead of more demanding fixtures.

Attention Turns to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Despite the defeat, the United States completed the group stage with six points from three matches after earlier wins over Paraguay and Australia. Finishing first in Group D earned the Americans a Round of 32 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.

The knockout phase now presents a fresh challenge, with every match becoming a win-or-go-home contest. While the loss to Turkey exposed areas that may require improvement, the United States enters the next round with its primary objective intact, advancing from the group stage. With key players expected to return to the starting lineup, Pochettino's side will aim to build on its strong overall group-stage performance and continue its campaign on home soil.