USMNT loses to Turkey 3-2 but advances to face Bosnia in knockout round

The USMNT fell 3-2 to Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in their final Group D match. Turkey’s Kaan Ayhan delivered the knockout blow in the 98th minute, completing a late comeback. But the US had already secured enough points from earlier wins to finish first in Group D, and they’re heading into the knockout round regardless.

Next up: Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

What actually happened out there

Coach Mauricio Pochettino made a clear choice going into this match: rest the players who matter most for what comes next.

Christian Pulisic was among the key players held out of the starting lineup. Pochettino rotated heavily, sending a message that the Turkey result was secondary to arriving at the knockout stage with a healthy squad.

The US held a 2-1 lead late in the game before Turkey mounted their comeback, capping it with Ayhan’s goal deep into stoppage time. The US finishes Group D with a record of two wins and one loss, good enough to top the table. The loss is the first for the USMNT in this World Cup.

The bigger picture: a home World Cup, finally here

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Wins over Paraguay and Australia in the group stage built momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

The matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 now becomes the only game that matters. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara hosts the round of 32 match, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

What to watch heading into July 1

The Pulisic question is the obvious starting point. Pochettino rested him against Turkey specifically so he’d be sharp for the knockout stage.

There’s also the matter of the late concession to Turkey sitting in the back of players’ minds. Giving up a goal in the 98th minute is a concentration issue as much as a defensive one. At the knockout stage, where a single mistake can end your tournament, that’s a detail Pochettino’s staff will need to address.

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