See Turkey's game-winning goal vs. USA at 2026 World Cup
Jordan MendozaEditor's note: Follow USA vs. Turkey LIVE
INGLEWOOD, CA — After giving up a quick goal to the United States, Turkey quickly responded to take the lead and then win it all.
Turkey stunned with a goal off the last kick of the game to spoil a perfect group stage for the USMNT and win 3-2. Turkey entered the match already eliminated, while the U.S. had clinched the round of 32 as Group D winner. But Kaan Ayhan gave them something to celebrate before going home.
Here's a look at the game-winner:
Turkey started the night scoring seven minutes after the U.S. scored. A critical breakdown on the U.S. defense from Weston McKennie gave Turkey an open lane to the goal. Baris Alper Yilmaz then found Arda Güler right in the middle of the penalty box, and just a few feet from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. Güler's strike soared into the net. It was the first goal for Turkey in the tournament.
In the 31st minute, Turkey again seized an opportunity. A flurry of quick touches found Eren Elmali right near the post, and he crossed the ball to Orkun Kökçü in the center of the box, who didn't have much trouble getting it in the goal because it was uncontested by the U.S.
The goal gave Turkey its first lead of the tournament, and it's the first time the U.S. has trailed in the 2026 World Cup.
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All games are being broadcast in the United States on Fox and FS1. Matches will also be broadcast in Spanish throughout the entirety of the World Cup on Telemundo and streaming on Peacock .
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World Cup TV Schedule for June 25
- 10:00 p.m. ET - Turkey vs USA (Group D) on Fox from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
- 10:00 p.m. ET - Paraguay vs Australia (Group D) on FS1 from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California
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2026 World Cup format
The 48 competing nations are divided into 12 groups of four. Each group will play a round robin style where teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32 along with the eight best third-place squads. Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria:
- Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
- Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
- Superior goal difference in all group matches
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
- Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained
- The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking
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