United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said on June 24 that he will not start any of the four U.S. players who have yellow cards in the World Cup group stage match against Turkey on June 25, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The players are defender Chris Richards, wing back Antonee Robinson, midfielder Tyler Adams, and forward Folarin Balogun [1, 2, 3]. The U.S. team has already qualified for the knockout stage and secured top spot in Group D before the final group match [1, 2, 3].

Turkey was eliminated from the tournament before the match and cannot advance [1, 2, 3]. Despite their exit, Turkey's coach Vincenzo Montella said, "我們滿懷希望而來，現在倍感失落，特別是我本人。但明天的比賽我們不會放棄。" (We came full of hope and now feel lost, especially myself. But we will not give up in tomorrow’s game.) [3]. Midfielder Kenan Yıldız added, "兩場分組賽，我們在射門、對抗等數據上都佔有一定優勢，幕後數據贏不了比賽，我們沒有進球，對手進球了，我們出局了。情況令人沮喪，我想對所有支持土耳其隊的球迷說聲對不起。明天的比賽，我們會全力以赴，加強進攻。我相信我們至少會取得進球。" (In two group matches, we had some advantages in shots and duels, but stats do not win games. We did not score, the opponent did, we are out. The situation is frustrating; I want to apologize to all Turkish fans. Tomorrow’s match we will give our all and strengthen our attack. I believe we will score at least one goal.) [3].

Christian Pulisic, a key U.S. forward, has a calf muscle issue but was passed fit for the game. Pochettino said he will decide whether to start him or use him as a substitute [1, 2, 3]. Pochettino emphasized the players on the field must play aggressively, "eat the grass," even if the match is a dead rubber [1, 2].

The U.S. won their previous two group matches 4-1 over Paraguay and 2-0 against Australia, collecting six points and securing first place in Group D [3]. Turkey lost their first two games to Australia 0-2 and Paraguay 0-1 [3]. Even if the U.S. lose to Turkey today, they will remain top of the group on goal difference and head-to-head rules [3].

Pochettino explained, "I think that this is a little bit normal and an easy answer, you know, not to play them from the beginning. Of course we are qualified (for the last 32). But for sure we want to win. It is an opportunity for them to play for pride, for their country, for their flag." [1]

The match between the United States and Turkey is scheduled for June 25, 2026, concluding Group D play at the World Cup [1, 2, 3].