World Cup 2026: Turkey 3-2 USA - Christian Pulisic returns from injury as co-hosts but Kaan Ayhan's late goal settles Group D clash

26.06.2026, 07:59 skysports.com

Eliminated Turkey scored a 98th-minute winner to clinch a 3-2 victory over World Cup co-hosts USA, who will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

Turkey's tournament exit was already confirmed after back-to-back losses to Australia and Paraguay in which they failed to score from 62 shots but they restored some pride thanks to substitute Kaan Ayhan's close-range winner in the final seconds in Los Angeles.

USA, already assured of a round of 32 spot as group winners, went in front in the third minute when Auston Trusty scored from a corner but Turkey fought back with goals from Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz as Vincenzo Montella's side belatedly found some cutting edge.

Sebastian Berhalter hauled USA level with a low finish from the edge of the box straight after half-time and there was also a second-half substitute appearance from talisman Christian Pulisic, who struck the post on his return from a calf injury.

It was Turkey, though, who would have the final say as Ayhan forced a cross-shot from fellow substitute Can Uzun over the line to condemn Mauricio Pochettino's side to a first defeat of the tournament before they head into the knockout stage to face Group B third-place finishers Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Turkey's late winner dampened the mood for the USA following their back-to-back victories over Paraguay and Australia but Pulisic's return from the calf injury suffered in the first half of their opening fixture was a major positive for Pochettino.

The AC Milan forward, USA's best player and scorer of 33 goals in 87 international games, looked sharp after replacing Timothy Weah in the 58th-minute, the chunky cameo allowing him to build his fitness for the games that matter in the knockout stage.

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The looping effort pushed onto the post by Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was one of three shots in a lively display. He was also denied by Cakir after racing in on goal on the left-hand side of the box having taken a Berhalter pass brilliantly on his chest.

USA's winning start to the tournament is over but Pulisic's return gives them cause for optimism for the rest of the tournament, with Bosnia-Herzegovina next up at 1am on Thursday July 2.

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