Ayhan's Stoppage-Time Strike Secures Türkiye Victory Over US in Group D Finale

Kaan AyhanPlayer·Kaan Ayhan delivered a decisive blow in the eighth minute of added time, securing a 3-2 victory for TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye over co-hosts the United StatesTeam·United States in their final FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup Group D encounter. The dramatic finish at SoFi StadiumVenue·SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles provided TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye with a memorable conclusion to their tournament, even though they had already been eliminated, while the United StatesTeam·United States had previously guaranteed their progression to the Round of 32.

The match unfolded with an early flurry of goals, setting a high tempo from the outset. The United StatesTeam·United States took the lead in just the third minute when Auston TrustyPlayer·Auston Trusty capitalized on a corner, finding the back of the net. TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye responded swiftly, with Arda GülerPlayer·Arda Güler combining effectively with Barış Alper Yılmaz before slotting home an equalizer in the tenth minute. Yılmaz then turned scorer in the 31st minute, deflecting an effort from Orkun KökçüPlayer·Orkun Kökçü to give TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye a 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

The Americans quickly drew level after the restart. Sebastian Berhalter unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area in the 49th minute, restoring parity. The game appeared destined for a draw until Ayhan, introduced as a substitute, bundled the ball home following a deflection from Can UzunPlayer·Can Uzun's shot, sealing the 3-2 win for TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye.

For the United StatesTeam·United States, the match served as an opportunity for squad rotation. Coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup from their previous game against Australia, resting key players and providing valuable minutes to others, given their assured top spot in Group D. Christian PulisicPlayer·Christian Pulisic, who had been recovering from a calf injury sustained in the opener against Paraguay, was available and expressed optimism about his involvement.

TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye's victory marked their first goals of the 2026 World Cup, having failed to score in their initial two group stage losses against Australia and Paraguay. Their qualification for the tournament ended a 24-year absence, achieved through a playoff path that saw them overcome Romania and Kosovo with consecutive 1-0 victories. In their qualifying campaign, TürkiyeTeam·Türkiye finished second in UEFA Group ECompetition·UEFA Group E behind Spain. Coach Vincenzo Montella had previously voiced strong confidence in his squad, stating, "I wouldn't trade these players for anyone. They have shown they can make sacrifices."

The United StatesTeam·United States had entered the match with a strong record, having secured dominant victories over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0) to clinch their place in the knockout rounds. They will now advance to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, looking to build on their impressive group stage performance.