The U.S. Men’s National Team closed out Group D play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 3-2 loss to Türkiye in Inglewood, California, but still advanced to the Round of 32 as group winners with a team-record six points. Having already secured first place before kickoff, head coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily, making nine changes to the starting lineup while resting several key contributors.
The United States made the perfect start when defender Auston Trusty scored his first international goal just 134 seconds into the match after connecting on a Sebastian Berhalter corner kick. The strike became the second-fastest goal in U.S. Men’s National Team FIFA World Cup history, trailing only Clint Dempsey’s famous goal against Ghana in 2014.
Türkiye, despite entering the match already eliminated from the tournament, responded with determination. Arda Güler equalized in the 10th minute before Orkun Kökçü completed the comeback with a well-worked finish in the 31st minute, giving the visitors a 2-1 halftime advantage.
The Americans responded quickly after the break. Berhalter capped an outstanding individual performance by firing home from the edge of the penalty area in the 49th minute, becoming the first USMNT player since 1966 to record both a goal and an assist in a FIFA World Cup match. Christian Pulisic also made his return after missing time with injury, helping spark several dangerous U.S. attacks as the hosts pushed for a winner.
Instead, heartbreak arrived deep into stoppage time when Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive goal for Türkiye, handing the Americans their first defeat of the tournament. Despite the result, the U.S. finished atop Group D, set a new national record with eight goals in a single FIFA World Cup, and now turns its attention to a Round of 32 showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.
