Türkiye Beat U.S. 3-2 at SoFi Stadium — Ayhan's Stoppage-Time Goal Caps Comeback

Türkiye ended its World Cup on a high Thursday, beating the already-qualified United States 3-2 in Group D on a stoppage-time goal from substitute Kaan Ayhan at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, though the result did not change the standings: the Americans still advanced as group winners, while Türkiye had already been eliminated.

The match mattered more for momentum and pride than qualification. The United States had clinched first place in the group before kickoff after opening wins over Paraguay and Australia, and Türkiye was out after losing its first two matches. Even with the defeat, the U.S. moves on to the Round of 32.

The game turned several times. Defender Auston Trusty put the Americans ahead in the third minute, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter corner for a 1-0 lead. Türkiye answered quickly through Arda Güler in the 10th, then went in front in the 31st when Barış Alper Yılmaz finished after Orkun Kökçü’s setup. The U.S. pulled level shortly after halftime as Berhalter scored in the 49th minute following a scramble in front of goal. It stayed 2-2 until deep into stoppage time, when Ayhan, who had entered in the 88th minute for Kökçü, arrived at the far post and finished after Can Uzun’s touch redirected the ball into his path.

The already settled group picture shaped the lineups. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated his side, with reports saying he made nine changes from the win over Australia. Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi were among the only holdovers from the previous start, while Christian Pulisic came off the bench in the 58th minute. Before the match, Pochettino said of his selection approach: “I need to be sure the team that is going to be [on the field] wants to eat the grass here in the SoFi and play [as if it’s] the final of the World Cup.” Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella also rotated, keeping only four players from the previous game, according to match reports.

For Türkiye, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2002, the comeback victory provided a measure of consolation. It was the team’s first win and first goals of the tournament. For the United States, the night ended with a loss but no damage to its larger objective: first place in Group D and a place in the knockout round.