Türkiye finish World Cup with dramatic US victory

Türkiye secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday in their final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium in the United States.

The United States made a flying start to the match, taking the lead in the third minute. Auston Trusty capitalized on a defensive mistake and beat goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır with a shot at the near post.

Türkiye responded swiftly. Barış Alper Yılmaz burst through the American defense before setting up Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, who struck the ball into the net in the 10th minute to score both his first goal of the tournament and Türkiye's first of the competition. It was Türkiye's 63rd attempt on goal at the tournament and their first World Cup goal in 24 years, since İlhan Mansız found the net in 2002.

With the score level, both sides continued to press for another goal. Türkiye moved in front in the 31st minute after a well-worked passing move ended with Orkun Kökçü calmly finishing into the back of the net.

The United States equalized shortly after the restart. Türkiye failed to fully clear a cross into the penalty area, allowing Sebastian Berhalter to seize on the loose ball and fire home in the 49th minute for his first international goal.

Türkiye ultimately claimed all three points in dramatic fashion deep into stoppage time. Kaan Ayhan scored from close range in the 90+8th minute to secure a 3-2 victory and give Türkiye their first and only win of the tournament.

Despite the loss, the United States finished at the top of Group D and advanced to the Round of 32, while Türkiye ended the group stage at the bottom of the standings and were eliminated from the competition.

The United States are now set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

Stabil.Az