U.S. Rotates Squad for Final Group D Showdown
The United States and Turkey are set to meet in a Group D encounter that will determine the final lineup for the knockout stage, with the Americans already guaranteed a place in the last 32 as group winners.
Coach Gregg Berhalter has announced a wholesale overhaul, making nine changes from the previous match against Australia. Only forward Ricardo Pepi and midfielder Weston McKennie remain from that starting eleven, while veteran goalkeeper Matt Turner steps in for Matt Freese.
Turkey, by contrast, will also shuffle its lineup, implementing seven adjustments. The side, led by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, will field a mix of experienced heads and emerging talents such as Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun and Juventus defender Meritan Çeliku, but the team cannot advance beyond the group phase.
Among the U.S. roster, Christian Pulisic will captain the side, while rising stars like Giovanni Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Timothy Weah look to make an impact. Defenders Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie are also set to feature, alongside midfielders Joe Scally and Giovanni Reyna.
The match will be played at a venue in California, where the home crowd hopes to see a vibrant display of American talent. With the group stage winding down, the encounter serves as a final audition for players on the cusp of selection for the knockout rounds.
Implications for the tournament
For the United States, the game offers a chance to fine‑tune tactics before the knockout bracket, while Turkey will use the fixture to give younger players valuable experience ahead of future tournaments. Both nations will be watching closely as the final group standings are confirmed.