Turkey beat US 3-2 with last-gasp winner in dead rubber in LA

The US now prepare for a knockout clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group D - Turkey v United States - Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, US - Jun 25, 2026 Turkey's Kaan Ayhan celebrates scoring their third goal with Ozan Kabak REUTERS/Lisi Niesner

Turkey beat a second-string United States side 3-2 with a last-gasp goal from Kaan Ayhan at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday for their first win of the tournament, with the co-hosts having already won Group D and a place in the knockout round.

The Americans, who made nine changes to their team, took an early lead for the third straight match when Auston Trusty scored in the third minute to the joy of a sold-out crowd.

Turkey hit back through Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz for their first goals of the tournament before Sebastian Berhalter drove in a long-range effort shortly after halftime to pull the US level. But substitute Ayhan had the last laugh when he found an empty net at the far post for the winner.

The US now turn their focus to Wednesday's knockout-round meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, while Turkey head home having at least salvaged some pride.