The United States took on Turkey on Friday in the final Group D matchday in Los Angeles. Having already secured qualification for the knockout stages, the USMNT entered the match aiming to maintain an unbeaten record and secure the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Australia and Paraguay—both sitting on three points—fought for the second qualifying berth, with a defeat meaning immediate elimination.
Official Lineups
USA: Turner – Scally, Richards, Robinson, Antonee Robinson – Adams, McKennie – Pulisic, Reyna, Dest – Sargent.
Turkey: Çakır – Müldür, Söyüncü, Demiral, Karaman – Çalhanoglu, Zeki Çelik – Yıldız, Arda Güler, Tosun – Çetin.
Halftime in LA
The first half concludes in Los Angeles.
Tim Weah flagged offside
Timothy Weah’s early attempt to break the defensive line is cut short as he is flagged for offside.
Six minutes of added time
The referee has signaled for six minutes of stoppage time.
Ugurcan Cakir saves the day
Ugurcan Cakır produces a brilliant save to deny Mark McKenzie, diving low to push away a powerful long-range shot aimed at the bottom left corner.
Güler in full flow
Arda Güler is dominating the midfield, gliding past two defenders with a signature nutmeg and showcasing his exceptional technical skill.
GOAL!
Orkun Kokcu puts Turkey ahead. After receiving a short pass from Elmali inside the box, Kokcu cuts inside his marker and rifles an unstoppable shot past the right post. A clinical finish to give Turkey the lead.
Goal ruled out for Team USA
The US celebrations were short-lived as Mark McKenzie’s effort was ruled out for offside. The score remains unchanged.
Turkey growing into the game
While the US maintains a slight edge in possession (55% to 45%), Turkey has looked increasingly sharp. After a hesitant start, the Turkish side has found its rhythm and is now putting the American defense under significant pressure.
Cooling break
Players take a brief cooling break.
Özcan recovers
Salih Özcan appears to be recovering well after a heavy collision.
Treatment for Özcan
Salih Özcan requires medical attention after a hard fall, with the referee calling for the physio to treat the Turkish midfielder.
Yellow card for Berhalter
Berhalter has been cautioned with a yellow card following a reckless tackle; he must now play carefully to avoid a second booking.
Turkey finds the net
Arda Güler has finally scored his first goal of the tournament. Capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication between the American defenders, Yilmaz delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing the Real Madrid forward to rise and fire the ball inside the right post.
Relentless American pressure
Turkey has spent a significant period under siege. The USMNT’s intensity has been suffocating, utilizing constant pressing and rapid transitions to destabilize the disorganized Turkish defense.
GOAL USA!
An early breakthrough for the Americans. Trusty’s quick thinking punished Turkish defensive lethargy just three minutes into the match.
Pre-match anthems
The Turkish national anthem, İstiklâl Marşı, rang out across Los Angeles, followed by the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner.
The USA entered this final Group D World Cup fixture having already secured knockout qualification with two straight wins, seeking an immaculate group-stage run. Turkey, despite being mathematically eliminated after two losses, fought to salvage their pride. Simultaneously, the battle for second place intensified in San Francisco between Australia and Paraguay.
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