A sellout crowd packed SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on a warm evening as the United States men’s national team took on Turkey in their final Group C encounter. The match carried little standing for the Americans, who had already locked up a spot in the knockout round, but the atmosphere remained electric, with fans eager to see their side finish the group stage on a high.
Experimental Lineup Pays Off
Coach Mauricio Pochettino opted for a largely experimental XI, making nine changes from the previous game and handing starts to eight players who were appearing in their first World Cup match. Auston Trusty opened the scoring in the third minute, tying the Americans’ World Cup scoring record before the knockout phase, while Christian Pulisic, still nursing a calf injury, entered in the 58th minute to add fresh impetus.
Turkey, fighting for pride, struck first in the opening half through Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü, but the U.S. answered back when Sebastian Berhalter unleashed a vicious strike in the 49th minute to level the contest. The pendulum swung again in stoppage time when Kaan Ayhan curled a brilliant effort into the net in the eighth minute of added time, snatching a 3‑2 victory for the visitors.
Pochettino, visibly irritated by any suggestion that the result was a disappointment, emphasized that the team’s primary objective — winning the group — had been achieved and that the performance proved the squad’s depth and resilience. He praised the professionalism of the players, noting that the experience would serve them well as they prepare for the Round of 32 clash with Bosnia‑Herzegovina.
Brenden Aaronson, who featured prominently in the reshuffled lineup, reflected on the collective effort, saying the squad showed hustle and aggressiveness despite the numerous adjustments. Youngsters such as Sebastian Berhalter and Auston Trusty stepped up, while veterans like Matt Turner and Can Uzun provided steady guidance from the back.
The victory also marked a tournament milestone, breaking the record for the most combined goals scored across the competition’s history, a testament to the attacking flair on display. As the U.S. team looks ahead, they do so with confidence, knowing that the lessons learned in Inglewood will shape their approach against Bosnia‑Herzegovina and beyond.