Türkiye ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high by defeating the United States 3-2 in a dramatic Group Stage encounter, securing their first and only victory of the tournament with a stoppage-time winner.
Already assured of top spot in the group, the United States made nine changes to their starting lineup ahead of next week’s Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Türkiye, already eliminated after defeats to Paraguay and Australia, entered the match searching for both their first goal and first points of the tournament.
The hosts made a flying start as Auston Trusty opened the scoring in the third minute, controlling a corner at the far post before firing home his first international goal, the second-fastest World Cup goal in US history.
Türkiye responded in the 10th minute when Arda Guler ended his side’s goal drought by converting Baris Alper Yilmaz’s cut-back to level the score. The visitors then took the lead just after the half-hour mark as Yilmaz finished Eren Elmali’s low cross following another fine move initiated by Guler.
The United States equalised four minutes into the second half when Sebastian Berhalter struck a first-time finish into the bottom corner after Mark McKenzie’s long throw was only partially cleared.
US captain Christian Pulisic returned from injury during the second half and immediately boosted the home side’s attack, forcing several saves and hitting the post as the Americans searched for a winner.
However, Türkiye had the final say. Deep into stoppage time, Ayhan reacted quickest inside the penalty area to score from close range and seal a memorable 3-2 victory.
Although the result was not enough to keep Türkiye in the tournament, it provided a fitting end to their World Cup campaign. The United States, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the competition but progressed to the knockout stage as group winners.
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