Turkey Sign Off With Dramatic Los Angeles Win

Turkey ended their World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States, as Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time finish delivered a memorable final act at Los Angeles Stadium.

The United States had already secured top spot in Group D and made major changes to their starting XI, but they still began perfectly through Auston Trusty’s early goal. Turkey responded through Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz before Sebastian Berhalter levelled after half-time.

Just when the match looked set to finish level, Ayhan turned home Can Uzun’s touch with the final kick, giving eliminated Turkey their first World Cup victory since 2002 and ending the USA’s unbeaten group-stage run.

USA Strike Early Through Trusty

The United States made a fast start, scoring after only two minutes and 13 seconds. From a corner, Auston Trusty was left unmarked and drove a low finish past Uğurcan Çakır.

It was the second-quickest goal ever scored by the United States at a World Cup, behind Clint Dempsey’s famous strike against Ghana in 2014. The early goal energised the co-hosts and added to the party atmosphere in Los Angeles.

Mauricio Pochettino had rotated heavily, with only three of the starting XI having previously started a World Cup match, but the USA initially looked sharp and confident.

Güler Sparks Turkey Response

Turkey had lost their first two group matches, but they gradually settled after the early setback. Their equaliser arrived in the 10th minute through Arda Güler, who finished from close range after a clever reverse pass from Barış Alper Yılmaz.

It was Turkey’s first goal of the tournament and gave Vincenzo Montella’s side belief. Güler’s movement and creativity became central to Turkey’s best attacking moments.

The turnaround was complete in the 31st minute. Orkun Kökçü’s effort at the end of a sweeping left-sided move appeared to flick off Yılmaz before finding the net, putting Turkey 2-1 ahead before the break.

Berhalter Levels as USA Improve

The United States returned from half-time with more intensity and equalised in the 49th minute. Sebastian Berhalter struck from 20 yards, finding the bottom-left corner to make it 2-2.

The goal shifted momentum back toward the co-hosts. Christian Pulisic was introduced from the bench and went close three times as he built important minutes on his return from injury.

Çakır produced the best save of the match when he reacted sharply to tip one Pulisic effort against the post, keeping Turkey alive before the final twist.

Ayhan Wins It With the Last Kick

The closing stages were open and entertaining. At one end, Kenan Yıldız curled wide and Yılmaz lost his footing when well placed to score. At the other, the United States continued searching for a winner.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Can Uzun’s touch sent the ball towards goal, and Kaan Ayhan reacted quickest to prod it in from close range.

Turkey’s celebrations were huge. Their tournament was already over, but the goal gave them a moment of pride, release and history on the final night of their campaign.

Key Events

• 3′ – Turkey 0-1 United States: Auston Trusty scores from a corner after being left unmarked.
• 10′ – Turkey 1-1 United States: Arda Güler equalises from Barış Alper Yılmaz’s reverse pass.
• 31′ – Turkey 2-1 United States: Yılmaz appears to get the final touch after Orkun Kökçü’s shot.
• 49′ – Turkey 2-2 United States: Sebastian Berhalter scores with a 20-yard strike into the bottom corner.
• Second half: Christian Pulisic goes close several times, including an effort tipped onto the post by Uğurcan Çakır.
• 90+8′ – Turkey 3-2 United States: Kaan Ayhan scores with the last kick after Can Uzun’s touch.

Turkey Analysis: Pride Restored After Elimination

Turkey could not save their tournament, but they restored pride with a performance full of character. Falling behind so early could have led to another difficult night, yet Montella’s team responded with energy and ambition.

Güler was the creative spark, scoring the equaliser and influencing the move for the second goal. Yılmaz was also central, assisting the first and playing a decisive part in the second.

Ayhan’s winner ensured Turkey left the World Cup with a positive final memory. It was their first World Cup victory since 2002 and a reminder that the squad still has technical quality and spirit, even after a disappointing group-stage exit.

United States Analysis: Rotation, Lessons and Knockout Focus

The United States lost their unbeaten record, but the wider picture remains positive. They had already won Group D and used this match to rest players, protect those on yellow cards and give minutes to others.

Pochettino’s rotated side competed well and produced moments of quality, especially through Trusty, Berhalter and the second-half impact of Pulisic. The late defeat will frustrate, but it does not change their first-place finish.

The USA now turn their attention to the last 32, where they are scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara. Pochettino’s view will be that his squad is deeper and more prepared because of the minutes gained in Los Angeles.

Final Score

Turkey 3-2 United States

Half-time: Turkey 2-1 United States

Venue: Los Angeles Stadium

Attendance: 70,492

What This Result Means

Turkey finish bottom of Group D and are eliminated, but they leave with a dramatic final victory and their first World Cup win since 2002.

The United States still finish top of Group D despite the defeat. Their knockout campaign begins against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara.

The result interrupts USA momentum, but it also gave Pochettino useful match minutes across his squad before the last 32.

Man of the Match

Arda Güler was Turkey’s most influential player. He scored the equaliser, helped shape the attacking rhythm and played with the invention that gave Turkey belief after a difficult start.

Hot Stat

Auston Trusty’s goal after two minutes and 13 seconds was the second-quickest United States goal at a World Cup, behind Clint Dempsey’s 2014 strike against Ghana.