- Ayhan’s stoppage-time heroics hand the Americans their first defeat of WC 2026, proving even “meaningless” matches carry a sting
Türkiye produced a memorable performance to defeat World Cup co-hosts the United States 3-2 in a dramatic Group D encounter, with Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time strike securing a well-deserved victory and restoring national pride after a difficult campaign.
Although already eliminated from the tournament, the Turkish side displayed resilience, attacking flair and determination against a heavily rotated American team that had already secured top spot in the group.
The victory offered a fitting conclusion to Türkiye’s World Cup journey and showcased the emerging talent and fighting spirit that continue to define the nation’s football ambitions.
Inglewood on June 25, 2026
Fast Start by Hosts Fails to Deter Determined Türkiye
The United States, aiming to maintain a perfect group-stage record ahead of their Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, made nine changes to their starting lineup but began brightly in front of a packed crowd in Los Angeles.
Defender Auston Trusty opened the scoring inside the opening three minutes, registering his first international goal and the second-fastest World Cup goal in US history.
However, Türkiye responded with remarkable composure.
After failing to score in their opening two matches, Vincenzo Montella’s side finally found their breakthrough through the creativity of rising star Arda Güler. The Real Madrid midfielder orchestrated the move brilliantly, allowing Barış Alper Yılmaz to exploit space down the right flank and ignite the Turkish attack.
Arda Güler Inspires Turkish Revival
Güler once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, dictating the tempo and creating opportunities with intelligence and precision.
The 20-year-old played a pivotal role in Türkiye taking the lead in the 31st minute. Spotting Eren Elmalı’s overlapping run, Güler delivered a perfectly weighted pass before the wing-back cut the ball back for Yılmaz, who calmly finished beyond the goalkeeper.
For the first time in the tournament, the United States found themselves trailing, while Türkiye’s confidence continued to grow.
Americans Fight Back as Pulisic Returns
The hosts responded early in the second half when Sebastian Berhalter struck a low finish into the corner after Türkiye failed to clear a long throw from Mark McKenzie.
The introduction of Christian Pulisic shortly before the hour mark further energized the American side. The US captain, returning after injury, immediately influenced proceedings with several dangerous runs and efforts on goal, earning loud support from the home crowd.
Yet Türkiye remained disciplined and dangerous on the counterattack, with Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Kenan Yıldız continuing to test the American defence.
‘Captain America’ returns
Ayhan Delivers Dramatic Winning Moment
As the match entered stoppage time, Türkiye produced one final moment of brilliance.
Veteran defender Kaan Ayhan emerged inside the penalty area to fire home the decisive goal from close range, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike.
The dramatic winner ensured that Türkiye ended their World Cup campaign with a statement victory over one of the tournament hosts, underlining the team’s character and potential despite an early exit.
A Promising Future for Turkish Football
While the result could not alter Türkiye’s fate in the competition, the performance offered plenty of encouragement for the future. The emergence of talents such as Arda Güler, combined with the team’s fighting mentality and attacking quality, provides a strong foundation for the next generation of Turkish football.
For the United States, the defeat serves as a valuable lesson ahead of the knockout stages, while Türkiye leave the global stage with their heads held high after producing one of the most entertaining matches of the group phase.
BY: The Times Union
