Image: from X @TheFan55_
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Türkiye signed off from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 3,2 victory over co-hosts the United States, scoring a stoppage-time winner in an entertaining Group D clash despite already being eliminated from the tournament.
The result denied the United States a perfect group stage record, although the Americans had already secured top spot and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
The five-goal thriller also produced a new FIFA World Cup scoring milestone. After 60 matches, the tournament has now seen 177 goals, surpassing the previous record of 172 goals scored across 64 matches at the 2022 World Cup.
The United States made an aggressive start and took the lead after just three minutes. Following two early corners, defender Auston Trusty converted from close range after an attacking move initiated down the left by Berhalter, giving the home crowd an ideal beginning.
Türkiye responded immediately. After struggling with their finishing during the opening two group matches despite registering 62 shots, the Europeans finally found their scoring touch in the 10th minute. A slick combination between Barış Yılmaz and Arda Güler opened the American defense before Güler calmly finished to level the score.
The match remained evenly contested throughout the opening half. The United States thought they had regained the lead around the half-hour mark when Mark McKenzie found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Moments later, Türkiye completed the turnaround. A flowing passing move involving Kenan Yıldız, Arda Güler and Eren Elmalı ended with Orkun Kökçü firing toward goal, with the effort taking a slight deflection off Barış Yılmaz before beating the goalkeeper to make it 2,1.
The Americans nearly equalized before halftime as goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır produced important saves to deny Weston McKennie and then watched Trusty head narrowly over in stoppage time.
The hosts responded quickly after the break.
Just four minutes into the second half, Berhalter struck from the edge of the penalty area following a long throw and defensive clearance, bringing the United States level at 2,2.
Seeking to complete the comeback, the Americans introduced Christian Pulisic, whose arrival immediately increased the attacking tempo. Pulisic forced two outstanding saves from Çakır within a minute, while Brenden Aaronson missed a golden rebound opportunity.
Despite late pressure from both teams, the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time.
In the eighth minute of added time, substitutes Can Uzun and Kaan Ayhan combined brilliantly. Ayhan headed the ball forward to Uzun, continued his run into the area, and received the return pass before finishing clinically to secure a dramatic 3,2 victory.
The goal ended Türkiye’s 24-year wait for another FIFA World Cup victory, dating back to their memorable third-place finish at the 2002 tournament.
Although eliminated with three points, Türkiye left the competition with pride after producing an exciting performance and scoring its first three goals of the tournament.
Arda Güler was the standout performer for the Turkish side. The Real Madrid midfielder scored Türkiye’s opening goal and consistently showcased his creativity, including a stunning backheel pass that highlighted his technical quality throughout the contest.
The United States, despite suffering its first defeat of the tournament, advances as Group D winners with six points and now turns its attention to a Round of 32 showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina.