Turkey beats USA 3-2 on Ayhan's 98th-minute goal but co-hosts still advance to World Cup last 32
Kaan Ayhan's 98th-minute goal gave Turkey a 3-2 victory over the United States in Inglewood, California, but the win came too late to prevent Turkey's group-stage exit while the co-hosts advanced to the round of 32 as group winners.
Turkey signed off from the 2026 World Cup with a first win, beating the already-qualified United States 3-2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on a 98th-minute strike by Kaan Ayhan. The co-hosts, who had secured top spot in Group 4 before kick-off, fielded a rotated side and took an early lead before the Turks hit back twice, only to be pegged back again before Ayhan’s late winner.
Fast start for the co-hosts
The United States opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Auston Trusty controlled a Sebastian Berhalter corner at the far post and fired past Uğurcan Çakır. It was the ideal start for Mauricio Pochettino’s heavily changed lineup.
Turkey's quick reversal
Turkey responded seven minutes later. Barış Alper Yılmaz released Arda Güler, who levelled with a composed left-footed finish. The visitors then took the lead in the 31st minute when Orkun Kökçü converted a cutback from the left to complete a sweeping team move.
Second-half equaliser and Pulisic threat
The Americans drew level four minutes after the restart. Sebastian Berhalter unleashed a powerful right-footed volley from just outside the box to make it 2-2. Christian Pulisic entered as a substitute and struck the post in the 63rd minute, while Çakır tipped another of his efforts onto the woodwork.
Ayhan’s decisive jab in stoppage time
With the match heading for a draw, Güler dribbled past two defenders on the right and crossed low for Ayhan, who stabbed home from close range in the 98th minute. The goal triggered exuberant celebrations from the Turkish bench but could not overturn their elimination, sealed in the previous round.
The United States, top of the group with six points, will face Bosnia in the round of 32. Turkey finish fourth with three points.
