USMNT World Cup Loss
USMNT Falls 3-2 to Türkiye, Ending Hopes for Perfect World Cup Group Stage
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A stoppage-time goal ended the USMNT's dream of a perfect group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Türkiye's Kaan Ayhan struck in the 98th minute to seal a stunning 3-2 win at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, handing the United States its first loss of the tournament, according to AP.
The defeat stings, but the U.S. still tops Group D with six points and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1 in Santa Clara, CBS News reported. Despite the loss, the Americans had already clinched first place before kickoff.
Ayhan's Last-Kick Winner Breaks American Hearts
The U.S. looked set to escape with a draw when Ayhan drove home the game's final shot in the 98th minute. The goal came off a late Turkish corner. The Guardian noted that the U.S. defense lacked spatial awareness on the play, and Christian Pulisic was caught defending deep in the box when the decisive header fell.
It was a gut-punch finish to a back-and-forth game. Auston Trusty opened the scoring just 134 seconds in — the second-fastest World Cup goal in USMNT history, per 12newsnow.com. Türkiye's Arda Güler equalized in the 10th minute. Orkun Kökçü then put Turkey ahead 2-1 in the 31st minute. Sebastian Berhalter leveled it at 2-2 in the 49th minute before Ayhan's late heartbreaker.
Pochettino's Rotation Gamble Left the Team Vulnerable
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino started a heavily rotated lineup. He rested four starters who were one yellow card away from suspension in the knockouts. NPR reported the strategy was seen as prudent, but it left the U.S. exposed against a Turkish side playing with nothing to lose.
Pulisic entered in the 58th minute as a substitute, returning from a left calf injury. He hit the post in the 64th minute, and Brenden Aaronson missed the follow-up, per FOX 11 LA. Pochettino is expected to return to his first-choice lineup immediately for the knockout stage.
Players Vow the Loss Will Fuel Knockout Run
Captain Weston McKennie said the defeat would sharpen the team's focus. "Obviously we didn't do that tonight, but I think that's going to motivate us even more," he told The Guardian. Sebastian Berhalter, who scored his first international goal in the match, echoed that tone. "I'm proud of the whole group," he said, per NPR.
Pochettino defended his choices after the game. He said the program needed a stronger mentality following the 2024 Copa América failure, according to LA Times. Pulisic's 32-minute run confirms he is fit for the knockouts — a major boost for a U.S. side that leans heavily on its captain in big moments.
USA Still on Top — Bosnia Awaits on July 1
Despite the loss, the U.S. finishes Group D in first place. The final standings: USA 6 points, Australia 3, Paraguay 3, Türkiye 3, per The Guardian and NBC Sports. The Americans advance to the Round of 32 as group winners, which is the only result that truly mattered heading into Thursday's match.
The U.S. now faces Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on July 1, CBS News reported. Analysts warn the late loss could dent momentum built during the wins over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). But with Pulisic healthy and the starters rested, the Americans enter the knockouts as strong favorites.
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