By Dwayne Ferreira.
Türkiye beat USA 3-2 after Kaan Ayhan scored a 99th-minute winner, ending the co-hosts’ perfect Group D run before the knockouts.
Türkiye beat USA 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup finish as Kaan Ayhan scored a 99th-minute winner to end the co-hosts’ perfect Group D campaign and give Türkiye a proud farewell.
The USA had already secured top spot in Group D, while Türkiye had already been eliminated. However, the contest still produced one of the most gripping finishes of the group stage and showed why World Cup matches can retain meaning even after qualification has been decided.
The United States started brightly and took the lead through Auston Trusty. His goal also made tournament history, becoming the 173rd goal of this World Cup and breaking the record for the most goals scored in a single edition.
Türkiye replied with the energy of a side determined not to disappear quietly. Arda Güler drew them level, using his technical quality to punish a lapse in the American structure. The equaliser changed the rhythm of the match and forced the USA to absorb pressure they had mostly avoided in their first two group games.
Sebastian Berhalter restored the American lead and gave the home crowd fresh belief. But Türkiye refused to fold, and Barış Alper Yılmaz struck to bring the match level again before the decisive late moment.
The decisive blow came in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Ayhan found space at the death and converted the winner, giving Türkiye a memorable exit victory and leaving the American crowd stunned.
For the USA, the result did not affect the table, but it exposed defensive problems and the danger of losing rhythm before the knockouts.
The United States still finished top of Group D and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Türkiye exited the tournament, but their final performance gave supporters one last reminder of the team’s attacking quality, pride and competitive spirit.
Türkiye Beat USA: Final Scoreline
Türkiye – 3
Arda Güler
Barış Alper Yılmaz
Kaan Ayhan 90+9’
United States – 2
Auston Trusty
Sebastian Berhalter
Result: Türkiye won 3-2
Player of the Match: Kaan Ayhan
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
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