The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.

The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.

Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.

Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.

The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.

Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.

If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.