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SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday 26 June, 03:00 BST / Thursday 25 June, 19:00 PDT (local time)
Turkey face the United States at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday 25 June (Friday 26 June, 03:00 BST) in the final round of Group D fixtures. Turkey are already eliminated after two defeats without scoring a single goal, while the co-hosts have sealed first place with six points from their opening two matches.
The contest carries contrasting significance for either side. Turkey are looking to salvage some pride from a deeply disappointing campaign, while Mauricio Pochettino weighs up wholesale changes to protect his key players ahead of the knockout rounds. The depth of the American squad should be enough to see them through even with significant rotation.
Turkey vs USA preview and form guide
Turkey have endured a dismal World Cup campaign. Vincenzo Montella’s side arrived with genuine optimism after ending a 24-year absence from the tournament, but back-to-back defeats have ended their involvement before the final round of fixtures.
The 2-0 loss to Australia in the opening match at Vancouver set the tone. A disciplined Socceroos performance exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cutting edge in the final third that would prove to be a recurring theme.
Against Paraguay, the performance deteriorated further. Turkey managed 33 attempts on goal without finding the net and lost 0-1 to a side reduced to ten men. Zero goals in 180 minutes of World Cup football represents a damning indictment of a squad that boasts considerable individual quality.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who has earned 108 caps and scored 22 international goals, has been unable to unlock opposing defences. Arda Guler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) carry the talent to compete at the highest level, yet neither has produced the performances their club form suggested they would.
With elimination confirmed, Turkey could paradoxically benefit from the absence of pressure. The freedom to play without consequence may allow their more creative players to express themselves in a manner that the tension of must-win matches prevented.
The United States have been one of the standout stories of the tournament so far. A 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in the opening match, featuring a brace from Folarin Balogun, established their credentials immediately. The 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle confirmed their status as potential contenders.
The Americans became the first host nation to score within the opening 15 minutes of their first two World Cup matches since France in 1938 and six goals scored and just one conceded from two matches represents an outstanding return.
Pochettino’s primary concern for this fixture is squad management rather than the result. With Group D already won, the Argentine is expected to make wholesale changes. Balogun, who has a yellow card, would risk a suspension for the round of 16 if he were to pick up another booking.
The depth of the American squad remains the most encouraging aspect of their campaign. Giovanni Reyna, who scored against Paraguay, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright all represent credible alternatives. Ladbrokes price the Americans at 1.85 to win even with rotation expected – see our Ladbrokes sportsbook review for a full breakdown of their World Cup markets.
Among the new betting sites, established operators and dedicated World Cup bookies alike, the expectation is that the United States will complete a perfect group stage regardless of the level of changes Pochettino implements.
Turkey vs USA team news and predicted XIs
Turkey
Turkey do not carry significant injury concerns into this fixture, though the psychological weight of two consecutive defeats without scoring looms large over the squad. Yunus Akgun is the only player whose availability remains uncertain.
Montella could use this match to give opportunities to players who have had limited involvement. Deniz Gul, the 21-year-old Porto striker with two goals in 10 caps, is the likeliest candidate to lead the attack. Baris Alper Yilmaz may also earn a starting role on the right flank.
Calhanoglu will continue to anchor the midfield. The Inter Milan captain, who has scored nine goals and provided four assists in Serie A during the 2025-26 season, remains the most influential figure in this Turkey squad.
At the back, Abdulkerim Bardakci and Merih Demiral are expected to form the central defensive partnership. Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton) and Mert Muldur (Fenerbahce) should occupy the full-back positions in a back four.
USA
Squad rotation dominates the American selection picture. With the knockout stage secured, Pochettino is expected to make extensive changes. Balogun (yellow card risk), Tyler Adams, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are all likely to be rested.
Christian Pulisic is listed as a doubt with a minor muscle issue and could be kept out of the matchday squad entirely as a precaution. Cristian Roldan is in a similar position, with his fitness to be assessed ahead of kick-off.
Matt Freese should continue in goal, having started the first two matches. The back four is set to be overhauled, with Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson and Alex Freeman all in contention for starting berths.
Malik Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter offer energy and industry in central midfield, while Weston McKennie could retain his place to provide a measure of continuity. Haji Wright, who has seven goals in 21 international appearances, is the favoured option to lead the line.
Predicted Turkey vs USA line-ups
Predicted Turkey XI (4-2-3-1): U Cakir; M Muldur, M Demiral, A Bardakci, F Kadioglu; H Calhanoglu, O Kokcu; B A Yilmaz, A Guler, K Yildiz; D Gul.
Predicted USA XI (4-2-3-1): M Freese; A Freeman, M McKenzie, M Robinson, A Trusty; S Berhalter, M Tillman; S Dest, W McKennie, G Reyna; H Wright.
Head-to-head record: Turkey vs USA
Turkey and the United States have met on five previous occasions, with the record perfectly balanced at two victories apiece and one draw. The aggregate goal tally stands level at seven goals each.
The first encounter was a 1-1 draw in an international friendly in September 1991. Over a decade later, Turkey claimed a 2-1 victory in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup third-place play-off, which remains the only competitive fixture between the sides prior to this World Cup meeting.
The Americans won consecutive friendlies in 2010 and 2014, both by a 2-1 scoreline, before Turkey restored parity with a 2-1 triumph in East Hartford in June 2025. This match represents the first time the two nations have faced each other at a World Cup.
Turkey vs USA prediction and betting tips
- The USA have scored six goals in two matches at the World Cup, conceding just one
- Turkey have managed zero goals in 180 minutes of World Cup 2026 football
- Folarin Balogun has scored two goals at the tournament but is expected to rest ahead of the knockout stage
- Hakan Calhanoglu has 108 caps and 22 goals for Turkey but has been unable to shift the offensive momentum
- The head-to-head record is perfectly balanced at two wins each and one draw from five meetings
Matthew has been working as a freelance sports reporter since 2025, having previously spent six years with Reach PLC where he primarily worked for the Mirror. He specialises in covering football and cricket.