Türkiye stun USA with last-gasp winner despite World Cup elimination
Turkey bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with pride after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts the United States, thanks to Kaan Ayhan's stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles.
Although already eliminated before kick-off, Vincenzo Montella's side produced an inspired display to hand the Americans their first defeat of the tournament. Despite the setback, Mauricio Pochettino's team progressed comfortably to the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group D.
USA strike early before Türkiye respond
The hosts enjoyed a dream start inside three minutes. Left completely unmarked from a corner kick, defender Auston Trusty drilled a low finish beyond goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır to hand the Americans an early advantage. The goal became the second-fastest ever scored by the United States at a FIFA World Cup, trailing only Clint Dempsey's famous strike against Ghana in 2014.
Rather than collapse, Türkiye gradually grew into the contest. Their breakthrough arrived when Arda Güler combined brilliantly with Barış Alper Yılmaz before finishing from close range to score Turkey's first goal of the tournament.
The momentum quickly shifted as Orkun Kökçü completed an impressive team move, with his effort taking a slight deflection before beating the American goalkeeper to put Turkey ahead before halftime.
Berhalter levels as Pulisic sparks revival
Pochettino's halftime adjustments immediately improved the United States. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter restored parity with a superb long-range strike that found the bottom corner after sustained American pressure.
Christian Pulisic, introduced from the bench as he continued his recovery from injury, injected creativity into the attack and came agonisingly close to giving the hosts the lead.
The AC Milan star forced an outstanding save from Çakır, whose fingertip intervention pushed the effort onto the post before Türkiye survived several dangerous moments inside their penalty area.
Ayhan delivers the final blow
As both sides searched for a late winner, the game remained open until the final seconds. Deep into stoppage time, Can Uzun's touch inside the penalty area fell kindly for Kaan Ayhan, who reacted quickest to stab home from close range and hand Türkiye a memorable victory with virtually the final kick of the match.
The result ended Türkiye's long wait for a World Cup victory, even though it was not enough to prevent their elimination after defeats in their opening two matches.
Pochettino focused on bigger picture
Despite seeing his side's unbeaten run come to an end, Mauricio Pochettino insisted the performance provided valuable preparation ahead of the knockout rounds.
The Argentine manager rotated heavily, making several changes to protect key players carrying yellow cards while giving valuable minutes to squad members and returning stars like Pulisic.
Pochettino praised his players for finishing first in what he described as a difficult group and believes the experience gained from the defeat will strengthen the team before their Round of 32 clash.
USA shift focus to knockout stage
The United States now prepare for a Round of 32 meeting against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara. While the defeat exposed defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing, finishing top of Group D ensures the co-hosts remain firmly among the contenders as the tournament enters its knockout phase.
Türkiye, meanwhile, leave the competition with renewed confidence after showing the resilience and attacking quality that had been missing earlier in the tournament.
SportsLigue
