The United States men's national soccer team lost 3-2 to Turkey on June 25 in the final Group D match of the 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles [1, 2, 3]. The match held little consequence for either side, with Turkey already eliminated and the US having secured progression to the knockout round [2, 3].
US coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup from their previous match against Australia, sending a heavily rotated squad onto the pitch [2, 3]. Despite the rotation, US captain Weston McKennie wore the armband and started the match [1, 2, 4, 3].
Auston Trusty gave the US an early lead, scoring three minutes into the game with an assist from Sebastian Berhalter, who later added a goal of his own [1, 2, 4]. The Guardian praised Berhalter's set-piece skill, noting his contribution as a reward for Pochettino's trust [1].
Turkey responded quickly, with Adra Guler leveling around the 10th minute and Orkun Kokcu capitalizing on a defensive error by Joe Scally to put Turkey ahead [2, 4, 3]. US defenders Joe Scally and Mark McKenzie struggled to contain Turkish attacks throughout the match, which contributed to the three goals conceded [1, 2, 4]. Goalkeeper Matt Turner also faced difficulties despite some timely sweeping clearances [1, 2, 4, 3].
Christian Pulisic entered as a substitute in the 58th minute, improving the US team's attacking flow. ESPN noted the US was heavily reliant on set pieces before his arrival, highlighting how much better the hosts played with Pulisic on the field [3].
Trusty left the game late due to a left ankle injury [1, 4]. In stoppage time, Turkey’s Kaan Ayhan scored the winning goal in the eighth minute, sealing a 3-2 victory for Turkey [3]. CBS Sports called Pochettino's rotation "obvious" and somewhat comical given the match's dead-rubber status [2].
The US finished Group D with 6 points and will advance to the round of 32 to face Bosnia and Herzegovina [4].
