Turkey claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday, scoring deep into stoppage time in their final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Although the defeat ended the United States’ perfect group-stage record, Mauricio Pochettino’s side had already secured top spot in the group and qualification for the Round of 32, where they will face Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Americans made a dream start as defender Auston Trusty headed home from a corner in the third minute to score his first international goal.

Turkey responded quickly through Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, who finished from close range in the 10th minute after being set up by Barış Alper Yılmaz.

The Turks completed the turnaround in the 31st minute when Yılmaz converted Eren Elmalı’s cutback to give his side a 2-1 lead.

The United States drew level shortly after the break, with Sebastian Berhalter firing into the bottom corner in the 49th minute following a long throw.

Christian Pulisic made his return from injury just before the hour mark and threatened to restore the lead, but Turkey held firm.

Kaan Ayhan eventually sealed victory for Turkey in stoppage time, scoring from close range to hand his side its first win of the tournament.

Despite the loss, US coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted the result would not affect his team’s preparations for the knockout stage.

“We had other priorities. We did want to win, but there were other things that we needed to balance, and I made the very best decisions,” Pochettino said.

He added that the defeat would not derail the team’s World Cup ambitions.

“Winning this game, or not winning this game, is not going to change my mood or our momentum,” he said.