Turkey’s forward Can Uzun and US midfielder Sebastian Berhalter fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between Turkey and USA at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Turkey beat a second-string United States side 3-2 with a last-gasp goal from Kaan Ayhan at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday (June 25, 2026) for their first win of the tournament, with the co-hosts having already won Group D and a place in the knockout round.
The Americans, who made nine changes to their team, took an early lead for the third straight match when Auston Trusty scored in the third minute to the joy of a sold-out crowd.
Turkey hit back through Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz for their first goals of the tournament before Sebastian Berhalter drove in a long-range effort shortly after halftime to pull the U.S. level. But substitute Ayhan had the last laugh when he found an empty net at the far post for the winner.
The U.S. now turn their focus to Wednesday’s knockout-round meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, while Turkey head home having at least salvaged some pride.
Published – June 26, 2026 09:58 am IST
