Overview
- Christian Pulisic came on as a substitute and played roughly 30–40 minutes after a left-calf problem, immediately increasing the U.S. attack's pace and creating several scoring chances.
- The U.S. lost 3-2 to Türkiye in stoppage time, a result that did not change standings because the team had already secured first place in Group D.
- Pochettino deliberately rested several regular starters to avoid yellow-card suspensions and to use the Türkiye match primarily to restore match fitness to key players like Pulisic.
- On the field Pulisic tested the Turkish goalkeeper, struck the post and forced defensive adjustments, actions teammates said provided leadership and lifted teammates' confidence.
- The U.S. now turns its focus to the single-elimination round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the San Francisco Bay Area with Pulisic available and the squad aiming to advance beyond past World Cup knockout limits.