United States midfielder Christian Pulisic (10) takes a shot on goal during the second half of a World Cup Group D match against Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Turkey Defender Kaan Ayhan shocked U.S. fans with the final kick of the match to upset Team USA 3-2. Thursday night for its only win of the World Cup. The game was meaningless because Team USA won their group stage to advance to the round of 32, but the loss did expose some defense issues, especially at the back end. Coach Mauricio Pochettino fielded nine new starters, and defender Auston Trusty got things started with a goal in the 3rd minute of the match to give Team USA a 1-0 lead. It was the 3rd time that the team scored first in three World Cup matches.

But Turkey, who were eliminated from the Group Stage, struck back with two goals to take the lead in the match. In the 49th minute, Sebastien Berhalter tied the game by running onto a loose ball about 20 yards from the net and striking it. In the 58th minute, Christian Pulisic replaced Tim Weah for his first game action since the first half of their 4-1 victory over Paraguay nearly two weeks ago. Pulisic, who has been nursing a calf injury, nearly put Team USA in the lead, but his quick shot off a nice pass from Berhalter was knocked off the goalpost by Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, and Brenden Aaronson ruined the resulting sitter.  The game was tied 2-2 for most of the second half before Kaan Ayhan scored a goal for Turkey in the 98th minute after a frantic scramble at the U.S. goal. Despite the loss Coach Pochettino seemed confident that his team will bounce back.

“I’m happy,” Pochettino said. “Maybe I’m not showing because your questions are a little bit weird. I’m confused. Maybe the vibes is like we go home tonight and Turkey stays (in the tournament), no?”

Their next match in the knockout stage will be against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1st in Santa Clara, California.