The United States men's national team suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their second Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving their knockout stage hopes in jeopardy. Mauricio Pochettino's side showed fight but defensive errors proved costly at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
First Half Collapse
Turkey took control early, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes. Hakan Çalhanoğlu opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after a clumsy foul by Chris Richards. Kerem Aktürkoğlu doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a clinical finish after a swift counter-attack. The USA struggled to cope with Turkey's high press and creative midfield.
Christian Pulisic pulled one back in the 35th minute with a stunning solo effort, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the top corner. However, Turkey restored their two-goal advantage just before halftime when Cengiz Ünder headed home from a corner in the 43rd minute.
Second Half Fightback Falls Short
The USA dominated possession after the break but failed to create clear chances. Substitute Ricardo Pepi scored a late consolation in the 88th minute, tapping in from close range after a goalmouth scramble, but it was not enough to salvage a point. Turkey held on for a vital victory.
According to Opta, the USA had 63% possession and 18 shots, but only 5 on target, highlighting their inefficiency in front of goal. Turkey, meanwhile, scored with three of their eight attempts.
Player Ratings
USA Starting XI (4-3-3)
- Matt Turner (GK) – 5/10: Could do little about the goals but distribution was shaky.
- Sergiño Dest (RB) – 5/10: Caught out of position for Turkey's second goal.
- Chris Richards (CB) – 4/10: Conceded the penalty and struggled with Ünder's movement.
- Tim Ream (CB) – 5/10: Solid in possession but slow to react on the counter.
- Antonee Robinson (LB) – 6/10: Energetic going forward but defensively exposed.
- Weston McKennie (CM) – 6/10: Worked hard but lost midfield battles.
- Tyler Adams (CM) – 6/10: Tenacious in tackles but unable to dictate play.
- Gio Reyna (CM) – 5/10: Ineffective before being substituted at halftime.
- Christian Pulisic (RW) – 7/10: Scored a brilliant goal and was the USA's most dangerous player.
- Folarin Balogun (ST) – 5/10: Isolated and failed to hold up the ball.
- Tim Weah (LW) – 6/10: Created chances but decision-making let him down.
Substitutes
- Ricardo Pepi (ST) – 7/10: Scored and added energy.
- Brenden Aaronson (CM) – 6/10: Improved midfield tempo.
- Joe Scally (RB) – 5/10: Late introduction, little impact.
Turkey Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Uğurcan Çakır (GK) – 7/10: Made several key saves, especially from Pulisic.
- Zeki Çelik (RB) – 7/10: Solid defensively and supported attacks.
- Merih Demiral (CB) – 6/10: Commanding in the air but sometimes rash.
- Çağlar Söyüncü (CB) – 7/10: Calm presence, organized the backline.
- Rıdvan Yılmaz (LB) – 6/10: Kept Weah relatively quiet.
- Orkun Kökçü (CM) – 7/10: Controlled midfield and linked play.
- Salih Özcan (CM) – 6/10: Disciplined defensive work.
- Cengiz Ünder (RM) – 8/10: Scored a crucial header and was a constant threat.
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (AM) – 7/10: Calm penalty and creative passing.
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu (LM) – 7/10: Scored and worked hard defensively.
- Enes Ünal (ST) – 6/10: Held up play well but had few chances.
Impact on Group D
The loss leaves the USA with one point from two matches, after a 1-1 draw with Wales in their opener. Turkey now top the group with four points, while Wales have two points after a 2-2 draw with Iran. The USA must beat Iran in their final group match to have any chance of advancing, and even then, they may need other results to go their way.
Pochettino acknowledged the pressure after the match: "We made too many mistakes and were punished. The team showed character but we need to be more clinical. We have to win against Iran." Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella praised his team's efficiency: "We executed our plan perfectly. The players were disciplined and took their chances."
