USMNT Suffers First World Cup Loss to Turkey in Final Group Stage Match
The U.S. men's national soccer team lost to Turkey 3-2 in their final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup. Despite clinching a Round of 32 spot before the match, the loss marks the USMNT's first defeat of the tournament and hands Turkey their first victory.
The Match
Trusty's third-minute strike made it three consecutive World Cup games in which the U.S. had scored first. Before halftime, the Americans found themselves trailing for the first time in this World Cup after goals by Turkey forwards Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz. In the 49th minute, Berhalter caught a rebound at the top of the box and sent it through traffic — and under the feet of a hopping Weston McKennie — into the net to even it at 2-2.
Finally, in the last play of stoppage time, Turkish midfielder Kaan Ayhan knocked in a goal to seize their team's only win of the World Cup. The dramatic finish gave Turkey their sole victory of the tournament while handing the U.S. their first loss.
Tournament Context
Kaan Ayhan scored the winner late in stoppage time as Turkiye handed the US their first defeat of 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. had entered the match having already clinched qualification for the Round of 32, so the result did not affect their tournament advancement.
Performance Assessment
After the game, Berhalter said the U.S could have controlled the game better. The loss provided an opportunity for reflection on team performance heading into knockout stage competition, where a more disciplined defensive display will be crucial.
Road Ahead
The USMNT now awaits their Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia, as the tournament moves into the knockout stages where every match determines advancement.