The United States’ unbeaten run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a dramatic end in Los Angeles, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side still left the stadium with their biggest objective intact. Already assured of top spot in Group D, the co-hosts suffered a thrilling 3-2 defeat to an inspired Turkey team that salvaged pride with Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time winner.
The Hollywood atmosphere matched the occasion. Actors Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Owen Wilson watched from the stands as the Americans flew out of the blocks. Just over two minutes had passed when Celtic defender Auston Trusty escaped his marker to fire home from Sebastian Berhalter’s corner, scoring the second-fastest World Cup goal in United States history after Clint Dempsey’s famous strike against Ghana in 2014.
It looked like another memorable night for the hosts, but Turkey finally discovered the finishing touch that had deserted them throughout the tournament. After failing to score despite 62 attempts in defeats to Australia and Paraguay, Vincenzo Montella’s side found belief through Arda Guler.
The Real Madrid midfielder capped a slick move with a composed finish before Orkun Kokcu’s effort deflected in off Baris Alper Yilmaz to complete a remarkable first-half turnaround. Guler’s creativity transformed Turkey, giving the eliminated side the confidence they had lacked in their opening matches.
The United States responded with greater urgency after the break. Berhalter restored parity with a superb strike from the edge of the area before Christian Pulisic, returning from a calf injury, almost inspired a comeback.
The AC Milan winger tested Ugurcan Cakir several times, with the Turkish goalkeeper producing an outstanding save to push one fierce effort onto the post. As the Americans pressed for a winner, Turkey remained dangerous on the counterattack.
The decisive moment arrived with virtually the final kick. Can Uzun’s dangerous ball into the area created chaos, and substitute Ayhan reacted quickest to bundle the ball home in the 98th minute, silencing a packed California crowd.
Despite the defeat, Pochettino refused to dwell on the result. “We are ready and much better than before this game because we have players with 90 minutes in their legs and ready to help,” he said. “I think it is all positive.”
The Argentine also praised his squad for finishing first in what he described as “a very difficult group.” “I congratulate the players, the staff, the USA and fans to finish first,” he added.
Midfielder Weston McKennie shared that optimism. “Turkey were very clinical and finished their chances,” he said. “The momentum will still be there for us. It’s going to motivate us even more.”
He also welcomed Pulisic’s return, calling him “a special player” capable of creating “something out of thin air.”
The defeat exposed defensive lapses but also highlighted the squad’s growing depth after Pochettino rotated nine starters. With Bosnia-Herzegovina awaiting in the round of 32, the Americans will hope this painful lesson sharpens rather than stalls their World Cup ambitions.
