Overview
- The United States lost 3–2 to Türkiye on the last kick of the game when substitute Kaan Ayhan scored a stoppage‑time winner at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, overturning a match that had been a dead rubber for group placing.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup because the U.S. had already secured top spot in Group D and he wanted to shield key players from injury or yellow‑card suspensions ahead of the knockout rounds.
- Christian Pulisic returned from a calf problem as a 58th‑minute substitute, played about 30 minutes, looked lively, hit the post and provided an encouraging fitness update for the U.S. ahead of the round of 32.
- Australia drew 0–0 with Paraguay in Santa Clara and that result was enough for the Socceroos to qualify for the last 32 as Group D runners‑up.
- Türkiye finished the group eliminated despite salvaging pride with a late win after entering the day with a tournament stat of 62 shots through two games without a goal, and the U.S. now prepares to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara while backups gain valuable World Cup experience.