World Cup 2026 Soccer USMNT falls to Turkey on stoppage-time goal to close out World Cup group stage By Andrew Battifarano Published June 26, 2026, 12:08 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google The United States almost finished the World Cup group stage without a loss.
The USMNT — which already locked up the top spot in its group — fell 3-2 to Turkey at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday night in front of a sellout crowd of 70,492.
When it looked like a draw was in reach, Kaan Ayhan scored in late stoppage time to give Turkey the win.
A tie would’ve given the U.S. an unbeaten record in the group stage, but Turkey rallied for its first and only victory of the tournament.
Auston Trusty got the Americans on the board in the third minute for the second-fastest World Cup goal in USMNT history.
Turkey answered back with two goals to close out the first half. It marked the first time the U.S. trailed at all in this World Cup.
US defender Auston Trusty (C) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between Turkey and USA at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026. AFP via Getty Images Turkey’s forward Kenan Yildiz and US midfielder #08 Weston McKennie fight for the ball in the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between Turkey and USA at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026. AFP via Getty Images Sebastian Berhalter scored for the first time in the tournament in the 49th minute to bring the U.S. even, where the score would stay until the goal eight minutes into stoppage time.
In maybe the positive note of the night for the U.S., Christian Pulisic returned after missing the win over Australia with a left calf injury. He entered in the 58th minute and played the remainder of the match.
The USMNT now gets set for the Round of 32 as they hope to turn their championship dreams into reality.
