USMNT loses to Turkey 3-2, advances to face Bosnia in knockout
In brief
- USMNT lost 3-2 to Turkey in Group D finale at SoFi Stadium
- Kaan Ayhan scored winning goal in stoppage time (98th minute)
- US finished Group D first with two wins and one loss
- Pochettino rested Pulisic and key players for Bosnia knockout
- USMNT faces Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 at Levi's Stadium
Late Collapse in Group Finale
Turkey's Kaan Ayhan delivered the knockout blow in the 98th minute, completing a late comeback that handed the USMNT their first loss of the 2026 World Cup. The US held a 2-1 lead late in the game before Turkey mounted their comeback, capping it with Ayhan's goal deep into stoppage time.
It was a bitter ending to the group stage. Yet the damage was contained. The US finishes Group D with a record of two wins and one loss, good enough to top the table. Wins over Paraguay and Australia in the group stage built momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
Strategic Rest Pays Off
Coach Mauricio Pochettino made a calculated choice before kickoff. Christian Pulisic was among the key players held out of the starting lineup. Pochettino rotated heavily, sending a message: this match wasn't the priority.
Pochettino rested him against Turkey specifically so he'd be sharp for the knockout stage. It's a calculated gamble in tournament soccer — trade three points for player freshness when advancement is already locked. With the math already worked out, the coach prioritized long-term success over immediate results.
Bosnia Awaits
Next up: Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 1 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The USMNT heads into the knockout stage with key players rested and a clearer picture of their lineup. The tournament's true test begins now.
