Turkiye Edge United States 3-2 As Ayhan Fires Late Winner In World Cup Group D

Kaan Ayhan struck with virtually the last kick in Los Angeles, sealing a 3-2 victory for Turkiye and halting the United States’ unbeaten World Cup Group D run. The 98th-minute winner sent the USA into a last-32 meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina on the back of a defeat, despite already having secured first place.

The match swung repeatedly. The USA led early, Turkiye turned the game around, and the co-hosts levelled again soon after half-time. Christian Pulisic returned from injury and almost changed the outcome, yet Turkiye stayed clinical and punished defensive lapses. The result also extended a difficult American record against European opposition at World Cup tournaments.

Maurico Pochettino heavily rotated the USA line-up, with Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi the only starters retained from the win over Australia. That decision placed the focus on squad depth. Auston Trusty responded, scoring early, while Mark McKenzie and Sebastian Berhalter also played key roles at both ends of the pitch.

The USA again began quickly, as has been common during this World Cup. Trusty first tested Ugurcan Cakir, then struck in the third minute. Trusty controlled Berhalter’s deep corner at the far post and drove a powerful finish past Cakir, giving the co-hosts the lead after just 2 minutes 13 seconds of play.

Turkiye answered almost immediately, ending a long scoring drought. Arda Guler collected a clever reverse pass from Baris Alper Yilmaz and swept a left-footed shot beyond Matt Turner. That effort produced Turkiye’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup, finally arriving from their 63rd attempt on goal at the tournament.

Momentum briefly shifted towards the USA when McKenzie thought a landmark moment had arrived. McKenzie converted from close range, which would have been a first international goal, but the assistant’s flag went up. Replays confirmed an offside, and Turkiye escaped without further damage during that spell of American pressure.

World Cup group shock as Turkiye edge USA on xG

Turkiye then built their best move of the first half. Guler again featured in a neat passing sequence that released Eren Elmali down the left flank. Elmali reached the byline, looked up, and cut the ball back towards the penalty spot. Orkun Kokcu’s effort struck Yilmaz’s knee and deflected past Turner for a 2-1 lead on 31 minutes.

The USA stayed dangerous from dead-ball situations. Trusty rose for another header during first-half stoppage time but sent the effort over. Soon after the restart, McKenzie’s long throw created more chaos. Turkiye failed to clear properly, and the ball dropped to Berhalter, whose clean half-volley from the edge of the area skipped off the turf and into the net on 49 minutes.

Pulisic entered from the bench and quickly influenced the tempo. Within five minutes, Pulisic twice threatened, drawing a spectacular save from Cakir that diverted the ball onto the post. Another curling left-footed attempt from around 20 yards drifted wide. At the opposite end, Kenan Yildiz went close with a similar strike, just missing the target.

Late drama followed as both teams chased a decisive goal. Turkiye created one final clear opening when Can Uzun delivered a low centre across the six-yard box. Ayhan stretched to reach the cross and prodded the ball over the line, sparking celebrations among the Turkiye players and silencing much of the California crowd at the same time.

World Cup stats highlight Turkiye efficiency and USA struggles

Pochettino’s nine changes were among the largest rotations seen between World Cup matches. Only Spain against Saudi Arabia in 2006, Belgium versus Japan in 2018, and Brazil against South Korea in 2022 made more alterations in a single game, with 11, 10 and 10 changes respectively during those previous tournaments.

Trusty’s opener became the second-fastest USA goal in World Cup history. The defender struck after 2 minutes 13 seconds, behind only Clint Dempsey’s goal against Ghana in 2014, timed at 30 seconds. The USA also maintained a pattern, becoming the first team since Nigeria in 2014 to score inside the opening four minutes of both halves.

Before this match, Turkiye had attempted 62 shots without scoring during defeats to Australia and Paraguay. In Los Angeles, Turkiye scored with both of their first two efforts. That early efficiency changed the mood and confidence, allowing Turkiye to absorb USA pressure and strike decisively when openings appeared in transition and around the penalty area.

The USA’s attacking numbers remained strong despite defeat. The co-hosts finished with 18 shots to Turkiye’s nine and reached eight goals for the 2026 tournament, a new team record at any World Cup. Yet long-term concerns persisted, as the USA recorded only one victory across their last 20 World Cup matches against European opponents, with seven draws and 12 losses.

Advanced metrics also underlined Turkiye’s sharp finishing. Turkiye generated an expected goals figure of 2.71 compared to 2.06 for the USA. {TABLE_1}

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Across the 90 minutes plus stoppage time, Turkiye’s greater efficiency in key moments made the difference. The USA created chances but failed to close the game out, while Turkiye finally converted pressure into goals at this World Cup. The result left the USA with positives in attack but clear defensive issues to address before facing Bosnia-Herzegovina.