Turkey beats U.S. with last-gasp goal as Americans look ahead to knockout stage
Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick of the match, and Turkey beat the United States 3-2 Thursday night in Inglewood, Calif., for its only win of the World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino Sport News
US uses Pulisic as substitute, sends out 9 new starters vs. Turkiye in World Cup group finale
INGLEWOOD, Calif: Christian Pulisic came on as a second-half substitute in the United States’ final World Cup group match against Turkiye on Thursday night. The Americans sent out nine new starters for this meaningless game with their knockout-round place already secured, but Pulisic replaced Tim Weah in the 58th minute for his first game action since the first half of their 4-1 victory over Paraguay nearly two weeks ago. Pulisic said this week that he is ready to play again after coming out at halftime with a calf injury in the Americans’ home World Cup opener. The AC Milan midfielder entered the 2-2 game to an enormous roar from the sellout crowd at SoFi Stadium, and he created a scoring opportunity just a couple of minutes later with a dynamic run down the left side. Pulisic nearly scored again in the 63rd minute, but his quick shot off a nice pass from Sebastian Berhalter was knocked off the goalpost by Turkiye goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, and Brenden Aaronson botched his follow-up chance. The American team has already won its group and clinched a matchup with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 next week, so coach Mauricio Pochettino used this meaningless final match to give playing time to the second string on his 26-man squad. Auston Trusty scored for the Americans in the third minute, but Turkiye took a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Everything To Know About USA vs. Türkiye: Storylines, Projected Lineup, Predictions
With the USA's spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 clinched and the top spot in Group D secured, one might assume that the team's final group stage match against Türkiye at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday is, to put it lightly, inconsequential.
USA, Germany in control as Dutch eye World Cup knockouts
EAST RUTHERFORD, USA: Co-hosts the United States and Germany will bid to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan look poised to join them in the last 32. The US have clinched top spot in Group D with a game to spare after wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will try to maintain that momentum against already-eliminated Turkiye in Los Angeles. Mauricio Pochettino could rest a number of first-choice players, with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun at risk of missing the next round if they pick up another yellow card. Forward Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury that has limited him to just 45 minutes at the tournament so far and urged the US to keep their foot on the accelerator. “Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win,” said Pulisic. “We don’t necessarily need a win, but it’s a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well.” The US have not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2002, but a strong start has raised hopes they could go on a deep run on home turf. Australia and Paraguay square off in a battle for second place in Santa Clara. A draw would favor the Socceroos thanks to their better goal difference but would likely be enough to send Paraguay through too. Germany are guaranteed to advance as winners of Group E following wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, putting first-round exits in the two previous World Cups behind them. “It is very important that we remain modest,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “We have won two matches, one was clear, one was very close.
Christian Pulisic says he feels '100%' ahead of Team USA's final World Cup group stage match against Türkiye
Sports analyst Dan Dakich previews the USA vs. Australia FIFA World Cup match, addressing concerns over star Christian Pulisic's calf injury. Dakich highlights Australia's strong team, noting their improved performance since a coaching change, making them a dangerous opponent. He emphasizes the importance of the U.S. team's readiness for this critical knockout stage game, and also touches on the US Open golf tournament.
US won't start players on yellow cards against Turkey, says Pochettino
INGLEWOOD, California, June 24 : United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said he won't start any of his already-qualified team's four players who have yellow cards when they face Turkey in Thursday's World Cup clash.
Which USA Players Should Feature In World Cup Group Stage Finale?
The United States national team will have the rare opportunity to play a World Cup game with nothing on the line for either team. Mauricio Pochettino’s team has already secured winning Group D while its opponents, Türkiye, have already been eliminated and will leave the tournament following the game.
USMNT faces World Cup dilemma vs. Turkiye: Rotate squad or keep same XI? - ESPN
SEATTLE — It's a position that the U.S. men's national team could scarcely dream about heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.