Türkiye fight back: 2-1 up at the break via Arda, Orkun

In the final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Türkiye lead hosts the USA 2-1 away after a tough first half. Though they had bowed out of the tournament early, Türkiye, on the pitch for pride, managed to turn the game around despite conceding early and went into the dressing room ahead at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The USA started fast. In the 3rd minute, off a corner taken by Sebastian Berhalter, Auston Trusty met the ball at the back post, took a touch and fired it home with a fierce strike to put the hosts 1-0 up. But Türkiye's response was not long in coming. In the 10th minute, on a quick counterattack, Barış Alper Yılmaz found Arda Güler in the box, and the Real Madrid star finished coolly to make it 1-1 and get himself into the game.

Türkiye took complete control in the 31st minute. On a move started again by the creative Arda Güler, Orkun Kökçü met Eren Elmalı's low cross from the left and, first time, fired a superb finish into the far corner to make it 2-1. Despite having less of the ball (42%), Türkiye held an edge in expected goals (1.30-0.67).

Although the USA had more shots in the first half (8 to 4), Türkiye used their chances more efficiently. Berhalter was booked in the 19th minute for a hard challenge. The USA, who rested Christian Pulisic and rotated, are expected to step up their pressure in the second half to restore parity. The second half of the match, refereed by Ghorbal, will pass with Türkiye trying to protect their advantage.

Image: Khel Now