Türkiye 3-2 United States – Group D, FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage continued on 26 June at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as Türkiye faced the United States in a Group D encounter. Both sides entered the match looking to secure three points, and the stadium provided a vibrant backdrop for a tightly contested game that would be decided in the final minutes.

How it unfolded

The opening moments belonged to the United States. In the third minute, Auston Trusty capitalised on a corner delivery from Sebastian Berhalter, curling a left-footed shot from a tight angle on the right into the bottom right corner to put the USA ahead 1-0. Türkiye responded quickly; seven minutes later Arda Güler received a pass from Baris Alper Yilmaz and struck with his left foot from the centre of the box, sending the ball to the centre of the net and restoring parity at 1-1.

The United States’ midfielder Sebastian Berhalter was cautioned in the 19th minute for a bad foul, receiving a yellow card. The warning did not deter Türkiye, which seized the initiative before the half-hour mark. At 31 minutes Baris Alper Yilmaz, after a close-range opportunity, finished with a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner, this time assisted by Orkun Kökçü, giving Türkiye a 2-1 lead.

The second half began with the United States level-loading the scoreline. In the 49th minute Sebastian Berhalter, now on the scoresheet himself, unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box that curved into the bottom left corner, drawing the teams level at 2-2. The match remained deadlocked as both sides exchanged chances, but the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. In the 90th minute plus eight minutes, Kaan Ayhan broke the deadlock for Türkiye, netting a right-footed finish from very close range into the bottom right corner, sealing a 3-2 victory.

Standout performers

Auston Trusty opened the scoring for the United States, his early goal setting the tone for the match. Sebastian Berhalter contributed both an assist for Trusty’s opener and a goal of his own, highlighting his involvement on both sides of the ball. For Türkiye, Arda Güler’s equaliser and Baris Alper Yilmaz’s brace—one goal and one assist—were pivotal, while Orkun Kökçü’s assist for Yilmaz’s second goal demonstrated creative influence. Kaan Ayhan’s late winner provided the decisive edge, cementing his status as the match-winner.

Match facts

  • Final score: Türkiye 3-2 United States
  • Scorers:
    • Auston Trusty (USA) – 3' (assist: Sebastian Berhalter)
    • Arda Güler (TUR) – 10' (assist: Baris Alper Yilmaz)
    • Baris Alper Yilmaz (TUR) – 31' (assist: Orkun Kökçü)
    • Sebastian Berhalter (USA) – 49'
    • Kaan Ayhan (TUR) – 90'+8'
  • Bookings: Sebastian Berhalter (USA) – yellow card, 19'
  • Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

What it means

The result keeps both Türkiye and the United States alive in the Group D phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side looking to build on the performance as the group campaign progresses.