The United States men's national team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final World Cup 2026 Group D match on Thursday night, despite having already clinched first place in the group.

The loss came in dramatic fashion at a packed stadium, with Turkey's Kaan Ayhan scoring the decisive goal in the 98th minute to stun the home crowd. The result marks the first time the USMNT has lost a World Cup group stage match on home soil since 1994.

Early Momentum for the U.S.

The Americans came out strong, with defender Auston Trusty heading home a corner kick just three minutes into the match to give the home side an early lead. The goal sent the crowd into a frenzy and appeared to set the tone for what many expected to be a comfortable American victory.

However, Turkey had other plans. Arda Güler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid star, equalized in the 10th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box that left the American goalkeeper with no chance.

Turkey Takes Control

The Turkish side grew into the game as the first half progressed, and their persistence paid off in the 31st minute. Baris Alper Yilmaz found space on the right wing and fired a low shot that found the far corner, giving Turkey a surprise 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

The United States responded in the second half with renewed urgency. Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, pulled the Americans level in the 49th minute with a well-placed finish from inside the box.

Heartbreak in Added Time

With the score locked at 2-2 and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Turkey launched one final attack deep into stoppage time. Substitute Kaan Ayhan rose highest to meet a corner kick and headed the ball past the American goalkeeper in the 98th minute, sending the Turkish supporters into wild celebration.

Despite the loss, the United States advances to the knockout round as Group D winners after Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey earlier in the group stage sealed the Americans' top position.

What It Means

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino downplayed the defeat in his post-match press conference. "We finished first in the group. That was our objective," Pochettino said. "Now we turn our attention to the knockout rounds, where the real tournament begins."

Turkey, despite the morale-boosting victory, was eliminated from the tournament after finishing bottom of Group D with just 3 points from three matches. Their sole victory came against a United States team that had already secured advancement.

The USMNT will face the runner-up from Group C in the Round of 16, with the match scheduled for early next week. The Americans will hope to put this disappointing performance behind them as they chase their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002.

For the passionate home crowd that filled the stadium, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. But with the knockout round ahead and favorable seeding secured, the United States remains firmly in contention to make a deep run in their home World Cup.