The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) lost 3-2 to Turkey in their final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite already securing first place in Group D. The loss, which came in the 98th minute, marked the USMNT's 10th straight defeat against European teams, dating back to March 2021. However, the result had no bearing on the team's advancement to the Round of 32, where they will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara, California.
The USMNT fielded a heavily rotated lineup, with coach Mauricio Pochettino resting key players ahead of the knockout stage. Star player Christian Pulisic returned from injury, playing in the second half and showing no signs of lingering issues. Despite the loss, Pochettino emphasized the importance of the team's group-stage performance and expressed confidence in their readiness for the next round.
The match saw several notable moments, including Auston Trusty scoring the USMNT's first goal of the game just three minutes in. Turkey responded quickly, tying the game before taking a 2-1 lead into halftime. The USMNT equalized in the second half, but Turkey's late goal sealed the victory. The loss extended the USMNT's winless streak against European teams to 13 games.
Pochettino defended his decision to rest key players, stating that the focus was on preparing for the knockout stage. He also expressed frustration with media questions that focused on the loss rather than the team's overall success in the group stage. Former USMNT player Brek Shea suggested the loss could be a positive, as it might motivate the team moving forward.
The USMNT will now prepare for their Round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which finished third in Group B. The team's performance in the knockout stage will be crucial in determining their World Cup fate.