Turkiye Victorious in Dramatic Finale, Ending USA’s Unbeaten Run at SoFi Stadium

Key Takeaways:

• Turkiye scored a 98th-minute winner to overcome USA 3-2 on the final day of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign
• The USA suffered their first defeat of the tournament despite already securing top spot in the group
• Mauricio Pochettino’s side set a national record with eight goals scored at a single World Cup and will face Bosnia & Herzegovina on July 2nd

Early Goal Rush Sets High Tempo

Turkiye concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts USA, bringing Mauricio Pochettino’s rotated squad’s unbeaten run to an abrupt end. Both teams arrived at the SoFi Stadium having already determined their group fate: the Americans were confirmed as group winners, while Turkiye knew their campaign would end at this stage. Nonetheless, the match exploded into life during a frenetic first ten minutes.

Türkiye round off their #FIFAWorldCup campaign with a win! 🇹🇷

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2026

Celtic defender Austin Trusty surged forward during a corner after just three minutes to claim his debut international goal, giving the USA an early advantage. However, Turkiye struck back swiftly courtesy of Real Madrid prospect Arda Güler, whose close-range strike registered Turkiye’s first goal of the tournament and levelled proceedings.

Action-Packed First Half and Turkish Lead

The relentless pace continued throughout the first period. Weston McKennie saw his effort for the USA disallowed for offside on the 30-minute mark. In a dramatic twist, less than a minute later, Orkun Kökçü capped an intricate Turkish passing sequence with a decisive finish to hand Turkiye a 2-1 lead heading into the interval.

USA’s Response and Late Turkish Drama

The co-hosts, cheered on by a passionate home crowd, responded almost immediately after the break. Four minutes into the second half, Sebastian Berhalter capitalised on a defensive lapse to thunder in his debut goal from the edge of the area, bringing the score to 2-2. This shifted momentum towards the USA, and Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was called into action, notably denying substitute Christian Pulisic in the 64th minute.

The Americans pressed for a decisive third goal, with Pulisic going close twice – first forcing a save that ricocheted off the post, then sending an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough.

As the contest edged towards a draw, Turkiye delivered a dramatic sting in the tail. Deep into stoppage time in the 98th minute, Kaan Ayhan pounced inside the penalty area to bundle home and secure a memorable victory with virtually the last kick of the match.

Records, Reflections, and Looking Ahead

Despite the late disappointment, the USA made history by netting eight goals at this World Cup – setting a new benchmark for the men’s national team at the tournament. Their attention now turns to the knockout stage, where a Round of 32 clash with Bosnia & Herzegovina awaits on July 2nd in California.

For Turkiye, who made their first World Cup appearance since 2002, the late win in Inglewood brings a positive close following earlier defeats to Australia and Paraguay.