The United States are already through to the knockout stages of World Cup as group winners, but the co-hosts will look to build on their gathering momentum as they face already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team have been one of the standout sides of the World Cup so far and were dominant against Australia as the USMNT secured back-to-back wins to start the tournament for the first time since 1930.
But it leads to a dilemma for Pochettino and his players for the dead-rubber against Turkey: does the USA coach stick with the same winning team and try to continue their winning rhythm, or will he rest his key stars ahead of the knockouts?
The USA, meanwhile, could be boosted by the return of star forward Christian Pulisic, who was a livewire in their impressive opening win over Paraguay but missed the victory against Australia due to a calf injury.
Follow all the latest updates from USA v Turkey, below:
Read MoreWhat can USA gain from Turkey dead rubber? This Mauricio Pochettino speech tells us everything
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge as England stall in round two
Who could USA play in World Cup knockouts and when would it be?
USA v Turkey LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- USA face Turkey in final match of World Cup Group D | Live 5pm PT / 8pm ET / 3am BST
- USA are already through as group winners after two wins from two games
- 31' GOAL! Kokcu finishes off fine move to put Turkey ahead [USA 1-2 TUR]
- 10' GOAL! Guler finishes slick move to net equaliser [USA 1-1 TUR]
- 3' GOAL! Trusty fires US into early lead [USA 1-0 TUR]
- Turkey XI: Cakir; Celik, Kabak, Bardakci, Elmali; Ozcan, Kokcu; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz.
- USA XI: Turner; Scally, Trusty, Robinson, McKenzie; Berhalter, McKennie; Aaronson, Reyna, Weah; Pepi
Half-time! Turkey 2-1 USA
03:52 , Alan SmithThat’s the break.
Turkey have been really good having stunk the place out in their first two matches to ensure this venture is merely about pride. The USA are disjointed after making nine changes and Pochettino may soon be fretting about slowing his team’s momentum with a last-32 meeting versus Bosnia to come.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:48 , Alan Smith48’ - Reyna battles to win a corner via Bardakci and Trusty again meets it with a towering header from about eight yards. He cannot get over the ball enough, however, so powers it over the bar.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:46 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be six added minutes.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:45 , Alan Smith45’ - McKennie tries his luck from more than 30 yards having been afforded far too much space. His shot bounces awkwardly and Cakir parries but no one follows up quickly enough to reach the rebound before Turkey can clear.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:41 , Alan Smith40’ - Bardakci chests down a knock on from Yilmaz and has an unorthodox poke towards goal blocked by McKenzie. The officials give a goal kick when it is an obvious corner and, following protests, their initial decision is changed. Guler’s delivery is cleared.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:39 , Alan Smith39’ - Weah latches on to a ball over the top but his effort from a tight angle is saved by Cakir. Turkey quickly find Guler down the right and Trusty decides to foul him.
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:38 , Alan Smith37’ - USA, again, cannot get to grips with Guler’s movement and distribution. Pochettino and assistant Jesus Perez are growing more animated on the sidelines as Turkey’s young star attempts to fashion something from around the ‘D’.
Turkey in front
03:38 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesThat will be enormously frustrating for Mauricio Pochettino.
One minute he thinks his side have re-taken the lead, the next they are a goal behind.
It’s a lovely Turkey goal. Some delicate interplay in the box is finished off by Orkun Kokcu. Work to do for the US to maintain their perfect record...
Turkey 2-1 USA
03:34 , Alan Smith34’ - Guler now looks very much in the mood, popping smart passes around that the Americans are presently unable to shut down.
For Pochettino there already appears clear indications that his squad may not have great depth - this is nowhere near as cohesive as the first two matches.
GOAL! Turkey 2-1 USA (Kokcu, 31)
03:32 , Alan SmithAnd like buses Turkey have another. This one is a beauty. Guler feeds out to an overlapping Elmali on the left at the end of a lovely exchange of passes. Elmali cuts back a nice pass for Kokcu to finish first time.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:31 , Alan Smith29’ - Oh dear. The USA have the ball in the net but it won’t count. They win another corner. Berhalter takes it and again Turkey make a complete and utter mess of it. Robinson meets the ball initially but Elmali botches his clearance and McKenzie eventually converts. Except he and Pepi are both well offside. The flag goes up after the ball hits the net, ruining McKenzie’s brief moment of celebration.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:26 , Alan Smith26’ - We’ve resumed with a drop ball.
Turkey respond well
03:23 , Kieran Jackson at Los Angeles StadiumTurkey have responded well, not only through that Arda Guler goal, but also in the wider pattern of the match.
A small group of Turkish fans, in the lower tier, certainly enjoyed the side’s first goal of the tournament.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:23 , Alan Smith23’ - Hydration break. Plenty of the LA crowd make their feelings known, though the jeers are not as loud as they have been in other stadiums.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:22 , Alan Smith22’ - Celeb cam is in overdrive for this one. Ashton Kutcher, Brad Pitt and some other people I don’t recognise have already appeared on screen.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:20 , Alan Smith20’ - Ozcan is still limping but wants to try and run it off.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:19 , Alan Smith19’ - Berhalter is booked for a naughty rake of his studs down the shin of Ozcan. The Turkey midfielder will require attention.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:16 , Alan Smith16’ - The Americans are a little bit hectic here, not entirely in control, and while that has made this an entertaining start to a dead rubber, Pochettino would prefer a little more control.
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:15 , Alan Smith15’ - This statistic is interesting because we’re into the 60th match of the tournament - still four short of how many games were in the previous format.
173 - Auston Trusty's goal was the 173rd scored in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most in any edition of the competition.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2026
Party. pic.twitter.com/zn57NJ19aj
Turkey 1-1 USA
03:13 , Alan Smith13’ - Aaronson tries his luck, firing right at Cakir, when he had several teammates open in promising positions.
GOAL! Turkey 1-1 USA (Guler, 10)
03:11 , Alan SmithNow then. With their 63rd shot of the tournament, Turkey have finally scored. Guler is sent through by Yilmaz after McKenzie misreads a loose ball and the Real Madrid star sends a left-footed effort past Turner.
Turkey 0-1 USA
03:09 , Alan Smith8’ - Kokcu trips Reyna and is bizarrely furious to have conceded an obvious foul.
What a start
03:07 , Kieran Jackson at Los Angeles StadiumAn incredible moment for Celtic’s Auston Trusty.
After just having a snap shot saved from a corner, the defender brilliantly takes down the ball at the back post and rifles in a shot at the near-post.
He sprints straight over to the bench. Stunning scenes in LA!
Turkey 0-1 USA
03:06 , Alan Smith6’ - Turkey are already looking very ragged, the American second-string desperate to leave their mark on a home World Cup. Pochettino’s men are quicker to every loose ball so far against an opponent that seems in a rush to return home.
GOAL! Turkey 0-1 USA (Trusty, 3)
03:03 , Alan SmithWhat a start, The second corner is swung in deep by Berhalter. Trusty, left unmarked, takes it down with a lovely first touch and he slams home with his left foot.
Turkey 0-0 USA
03:02 , Alan Smith1’ - With less than a minute on the clock, Reyna smashes a shot goalwards. It is blocked for a corner and he immediately commands the home fans to raise the noise further.
Turkey make a mess of dealing with the corner, failing to clear, and Trusty has a shot that is blocked. Another corner follows.
Kick-off! Turkey 0-0 USA
03:00 , Alan Smith1’ - And we’re underway in LA.
Turkey are in white with a bit of red, USA are in their dark blue strip.
02:57 , Alan SmithThe USA will be hoping that their performance is a little more synchronised than the anthem, which was very loud but sounded mismatched between music and lyrics.
Both sides are now going through the remaining formalities.
Nearly time
02:54 , Alan SmithHere come the teams. We’re almost ready for the conclusion of Group D
World Cup debutants
02:50 , Alan SmithMark McKenzie and Miles Robinson (pictured) are making their World Cup debuts here - and this is could be as enjoyable and low pressure as they come.
Belter of a venue
02:47 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesI must say, this is some arena.
70,000 people will be packed inside here for the USA’s third and final group game against the already-eliminated Turkey.
A huge group of fans were chanting “USA, USA” as I went through security - you can sense the excitement of the fans as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to make it three wins from three.
That being said, the Argentine has made nine changes - the fourth-most from game-to-game in World Cup history. Only Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi remain.
Poch's shuffle
02:40 , Alan SmithPochettino has changed nine players for this one, giving some of his fringe players a chance to impress while resting all four players who have been shown a yellow card. The risk of suspension is removed at the end of the group stage so do not expect Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson or Flo Balogun to appear here.
Tonight's referee...
02:34 , Alan Smith... is Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria.
This is his second World Cup having taken charge of two matches in Qatar with another pair of games as fourth official.
He was in charge for Scotland’s win over Haiti in Foxborough earlier in the tournament.
Australia and Paraguay's permutations
02:28 , Alan SmithA winner between Australia and Paraguay will qualify for the knockouts for certain on six points, while the losers’ fate (with three points) might only become clear by the end of the group stage.
However, if the game is a draw, Australia and Paraguay would both finish on four points, with goal difference finally coming into play. Given Australia’s is 0 and Paraguay’s is -2 – with these remaining the same in the case of a draw – Australia would qualify in second place ahead of Paraguay.
As such, Paraguay would be left waiting on other results to confirm if they will advance with four points - although it would be almost guaranteed.
Pulisic rested
02:22 , Alan SmithThe poster boy of US Soccer will not be risked from the start tonight as he manages a niggle - but he looked quite relaxed when Pochettino’s squad observed the pitch upon arriving
How to watch tonight's match
02:16 , Alan SmithIn the US, the game will air live on Fox and Telemundo. ITV1 and ITVX will show the action in the UK, with STV and STV Player showing the game in Scotland specifically.
USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina confirmed
02:11 , Alan SmithThe USA have already learned of their opponents in the last-32 tonight - results elsewhere means they will take on Bosnia in San Francisco at 1am BST next Thursday morning.
Anticipation building
02:06 , Alan SmithUSA fans are beginning to make their way into the stadium in Los Angeles and you cannot move for the sight of the stars and stripes.
Is there a problem with the World Cup ball?
02:00 , Will CastleOn numerous instances has the same type of goal flown in during the first two rounds of the group stage. They all relate to rising, driven shots that go above shoulder height, and are often not heading right for the top corner. Goalkeepers are diving across to save these shots and are crucially getting a hand to the ball – but when they make contact, it’s not in the right place and the ball simply passes through, as if they’ve misjudged the flight.
This happened to England’s Jordan Pickford against Croatia, who got to Martin Baturina’s effort but failed to keep it out. Algeria’s Luca Zidane and Senegal’s Edouard Mendy also endured similar goal-allowing incidents in their nations’ openers. Now Iraq’s Ahmed Basil let Kylian Mbappe breach his defences in the same manner, making the distance only to parry the French superstar’s shot further into the corner rather than away from his goal.
You can point the finger at the keepers’ inadequacies if you like, but those in the know think something greater is at play.
“I’m seeing this goal way too many times for a World Cup for there not to be something up with that football,” former England international goalkeeper Joe Hart said in a piece of passionate half-time analysis during France’s 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday night. “As soon as they're not using the curling technique, as soon as that ball is not moving, it's not spinning, the goalkeepers are struggling.”
Is there a problem with the World Cup ball? Why goalkeepers are struggling
World Cup 2026: USA v Turkey head-to-head
01:44 , Jamie BraidwoodThis will be the fourth time the USA and Turkey have played, but it will be their first competitive encounter.
They previously met twice in pre-World Cup friendlies, with the USA winning 2-1 in May 2010 and then again in early June 2014.
Turkey won their last encounter, though, also a 2-1 victory last June. Turkey were one of the fancied sides before the World Cup but have been disappointing.
Turkey XI confirmed
01:43 , Alan SmithCakir; Celik, Kabak, Bardakci, Elmali; Ozcan, Kokcu; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz.
USA XI confirmed
01:40 , Alan SmithStarting us off to finish strong. 💪#USMNT x The @HomeDepot pic.twitter.com/JluHifOnWb
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 26, 2026
Is Turkey v USA on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup 2026 match
01:29 , Jamie BraidwoodUSA look to round out their group-stage campaign with a third win from as many games, as the World Cup co-hosts take on the already-eliminated Turkey.
Expectations around USA were measured coming into this tournament, but Mauricio Pochettino’s team have gotten off to a flying start, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 before seeing off Australia 2-0.
Meanwhile, Turkey fell 2-0 to Australia in their opener before losing 1-0 to 10-man Paraguay in their next game.
In the US, the game will air live on Fox and Telemundo. ITV1 and ITVX will show the action in the UK.
USA v Turkey: Getting closer to kick-off
01:14 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been a dream start to the World Cup for the United States. With excitement around the USMNT growing, can they continue their momentum against Turkey in Los Angeles to bolster their emerging status as tournament contenders?
The USA, on paper, have nothing to play for. After wins over Paraguay and Turkey, they are safely through to the knockout stages as winners of Group D. Turkey, too, have no skin in the game. They are already out after two defeats.
But the USA will want to fuel the belief that this could be a special summer, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team returns to the So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of their impressive opening victory over Paraguay.
Kick off is at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET, which works out to 3am BST.
Mauricio Pochettino set to rest key players who are on yellow cards
Friday 26 June 2026 00:59 , Jamie BraidwoodFor the USMNT tonight, some team news decisions are blindingly obvious. Four key players – Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards – are a booking away from being suspended for the last-32. Expect them to watch on from the bench.
"I think it's an easy answer for the guys that have yellow cards," Mauricio Pochettino said, at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "I think it's unnecessary to take a risk and then take another yellow card and be not available for the next stage. I think that is a little bit of a normal and easy answer to not play with them from the beginning."
It's clear where the USMNT's priorities lie
Friday 26 June 2026 00:44 , Jamie BraidwoodSuch has been the USA’s dominance in Group D and the questionable tie-break switch from goal-difference to head-to-head top spot is already wrapped up.
Contrastingly, Thursday’s opponents at the Los Angeles Stadium, perennial underachievers Turkey, are guaranteed to finish bottom even if they thrash the US later tonight.
It makes the contest a largely unsatisfying dead rubber, even in an expanded tournament where third-place could be enough for a knockout berth.
But for Mauricio Pochettino, it’s less a dead rubber and more a free hit. While there will be temptation to maintain the status quo and a perfect group-stage record, the US boss is set to rotate his starting XI.
They already know their last-32 match-up will be in Santa Clara next Wednesday against a high-ranked third-place team (which would currently be Bosnia and Herzegovina). Rest and rotation are clearly the priority.
USMNT star Christian Pulisic hoping to play a part against Turkey
Friday 26 June 2026 00:14 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Pulisic said he was feeling positive about his recovery from a calf injury and hopes to play a role in the United States' final World Cup group match against Turkey on Thursday, though his availability remains uncertain.
"I'm feeling good," Pulisic told reporters at the U.S. training camp on Wednesday. “I joined with the team in the last few days, so I'm feeling good, feeling positive, and hopefully I'll be able to play a part tomorrow."
Will Christian Pulisic return for USMNT after calf injury?
Thursday 25 June 2026 23:44 , Jamie BraidwoodThe major question revolves around USA star Christian Pulisic, who was substituted at half-time in their opening win over Paraguay before missing the victory against Australia altogether.
“It was impossible for him today to play,” Mauricio Pochettino said, referring to the forward’s hamstring injury. “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”
What do Australia and Paraguay need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group D?
Thursday 25 June 2026 23:14 , Jamie BraidwoodOn Thursday, Australia and Paraguay will clash in each team’s final group game of the World Cup 2026, with automatic qualification up for grabs for one of them.
Australia started their Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey, while Paraguay fell 4-1 to co-hosts USA. Then, on gameday 2, Australia were beaten 2-0 by USA, while Paraguay saw off Turkey 1-0 despite going down to 10 men.
Due to a change in rules for this World Cup, the second deciding factor in the final table of a group (after points of course) is the head-to-head record between teams – not goal difference, as was the case in previous years.
With this in mind, USA have already sewn up top spot and qualified for the knockout stage, and Turkey have already been eliminated, ahead of the tie between those nations on Thursday.
But what of Australia and Paraguay?
What do Australia and Paraguay need to qualify for World Cup knockouts from Group D?
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:59 , Jamie BraidwoodWorld Cup 2026 has entered its final round of group games, which means both matches in each of the 12 groups will kick off at the same time.
The reason the World Cup brought in simultaneous kick offs for the final round of matches goes back to the 1982 World Cup and the “Disgrace of Gijon” - the infamous match between West Germany and Austria where they played out a result that allowed both teams to advance at the expense of Algeria.
With Algeria in position to qualify from the group and having played their final game the previous day, West Germany and Austria entered the match knowing that a narrow victory for the Germans would keep both teams in the tournament and knock out Algeria on goal difference.
West Germany took the lead in the 10th minute and, with both teams happy with the result from that stage, they and the Austrians essentially shook hands and settled on the outcome and stopped trying to score in the final stages of the match, much to the fury of the helpless Algerians.
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
Coach launches defence with Turkey under fire after horror exit from World Cup
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:44 , Jamie BraidwoodBefore facing the United States in Los Angeles, Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella urged fans and media to show greater respect for his players, saying they had given everything despite a disappointing World Cup campaign and should not `be subjected to personal attacks.
Speaking a day before Turkey's final Group D match against tournament co-hosts the United States, Montella mounted an impassioned defence of a squad already eliminated after defeats by Australia and Paraguay.
"I really ask you to respect them because they are our boys, they are our players, they are the `future of football," the Italian told reporters.
Montella said many of the same players had helped Turkey return to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years and had delivered a string of notable results during his nearly three years in charge.
While acknowledging the team's shortcomings, he said criticism should be constructive rather than directed at individuals. "I've seen personal attacks that I cannot accept," he said.
Montella said Turkey had created chances and ranked highly in several attacking metrics during the tournament despite failing to convert performances into results. "We could do something more, we could do better, but we tried with all our heart, with all our strength.”
Reuters
Who could USA play in World Cup knockouts and when would it be?
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:14 , Jamie BraidwoodAs winners of Group D, USA will play one of the third-placed teams who advance to the last 32. Their opponent would either come from Group B, Group E, Group F, Group I or Group J. As it stands, that’s set to be Bosnia-Herzegovina – but that is likely to change by the end of the group stages.
However, what’s locked is in the time and location of the last-32 clash, as the USA head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for their last-32 match on Wednesday 1 July, with kick-off at 5pm local time (1am BST on Thursday 2 July). Levi’s Stadium the home of the San Francisco 49ers, known as the Bay Area Stadium for the purposes of the World Cup.
Who could USA play in World Cup knockouts and when would it be?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: USMNT remain in our top-10
Thursday 25 June 2026 21:44 , Jamie Braidwood9. United States 🇺🇸 The hosts appear determined to ride the wave well into July. The draw has been favourable and the expectation remains that the first top side they play should prove too good. Yet the opening two performances have been very, very impressive and history suggests home advantage can build irresistible momentum. Plus with Mauricio Pochettino, no stranger to having average teams punch above their weight, steering them, it would be increasingly foolish to rule out a deep run completely.
So much can change as the group stage progresses, but here’s how every team stacks up in The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings, delving deeper into the top 10:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge after round two
Is Turkey v USA on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup 2026 match
Thursday 25 June 2026 21:14 , Alex PattleUSA look to round out their group-stage campaign with a third win from as many games, as the World Cup co-hosts take on the already-eliminated Turkey.
Expectations around USA were measured coming into this tournament, but Mauricio Pochettino’s team have gotten off to a flying start, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 before seeing off Australia 2-0.
Meanwhile, Turkey fell 2-0 to Australia in their opener before losing 1-0 to 10-man Paraguay in their next game.
In the US, the game will air live on Fox and Telemundo. ITV1 and ITVX will show the action in the UK.
Is Turkey v USA on TV? How to watch World Cup 2026 match
USMNT star Christian Pulisic hoping to play a part against Turkey
Thursday 25 June 2026 20:44 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Pulisic said he was feeling positive about his recovery from a calf injury and hopes to play a role in the United States' final World Cup group match against Turkey on Thursday, though his availability remains uncertain.
"I'm feeling good," Pulisic told reporters at the U.S. training camp on Wednesday. “I joined with the team in the last few days, so I'm feeling good, feeling positive, and hopefully I'll be able to play a part tomorrow."
Reuters
How The USA Are Winning WITHOUT Their Best Player
Thursday 25 June 2026 20:14 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter losing Christian Pulisic through injury, how did Mauricio Pochettino rework his tactics to compensate? Adam Clery looks at how sometimes you can replace a player's contribution, even if you can't replace the player.
Why tonight's dead-rubber is important to Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT revolution
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:44 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesBeyond Christian Pulisic, Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to witness his wider 26-man squad in action. For a deep run to progress into reality, the US boss will require impact and solidity from the bench, perhaps deep into extra-time and with penalties on the horizon. Even if, by his own past comments, the Argentine is disdainful of talk of reserves.
“I hate the ‘no regular players’” Pochettino said back in November, when he rotated against Uruguay. “What does this mean? It’s USA playing, it’s the national team. Stop with that mindset.
“Every time our decision to pick a starting XI, it’s the US men’s national team playing.”If you know me, I hate to talk this way. It’s so disrespectful. We need to give credit to all of the guys.”
It is this mindset shift and collaborative mentality which has epitomised the USA’s performances thus far; a focus on the whole rather than the few.
What can USA gain from Turkey dead rubber? This Pochettino speech tells us everything
All eyes on star man Christian Pulisic and his fitness
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:14 , Jamie BraidwoodWill he start? Christian Pulisic, hampered by a left calf injury, returned to team training on Tuesday and will be keen for some minutes. If he misses out completely, the AC Milan winger will have had a 19-day absence from his first-half cameo against Paraguay to next week’s last-32 clash. Not disastrous, but hardly ideal.
"We need to decide if it's possible to play [him] from the beginning or be on the bench,” Mauricio Pochettino said of his star man’s availability. “Maybe to play in the second half. That is the situation."
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:44 , Jamie BraidwoodBut is the decision expand the format to 48 teams and switching tiebreakers to head-to-head harming the drama of the World Cup? Tonight’s dead-rubber is just one example, as Miguel Delaney writes.
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
Who has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:14 , Jamie BraidwoodThe United States are not the only team to have sealed their progress after two games.
They joined Germany, France, Norway, Argentina and Colombia in wrapping up their business early.
Who has qualified for World Cup’s last-32 and who has been eliminated?
Mauricio Pochettino set to rest key players who are on yellow cards
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:44 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesFor the USMNT tonight, some team news decisions are blindingly obvious. Four key players – Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards – are a booking away from being suspended for the last-32. Expect them to watch on from the bench.
"I think it's an easy answer for the guys that have yellow cards," Mauricio Pochettino said, at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "I think it's unnecessary to take a risk and then take another yellow card and be not available for the next stage. I think that is a little bit of a normal and easy answer to not play with them from the beginning."
It's clear where the USMNT's priorities lie
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:22 , Kieran Jackson in Los AngelesSuch has been the USA’s dominance in Group D and the questionable tie-break switch from goal-difference to head-to-head top spot is already wrapped up.
Contrastingly, Thursday’s opponents at the Los Angeles Stadium, perennial underachievers Turkey, are guaranteed to finish bottom even if they thrash the US later tonight.
It makes the contest a largely unsatisfying dead rubber, even in an expanded tournament where third-place could be enough for a knockout berth.
But for Mauricio Pochettino, it’s less a dead rubber and more a free hit. While there will be temptation to maintain the status quo and a perfect group-stage record, the US boss is set to rotate his starting XI.
They already know their last-32 match-up will be in Santa Clara next Wednesday against a high-ranked third-place team (which would currently be Bosnia and Herzegovina). Rest and rotation are clearly the priority.
Will Christian Pulisic return for USMNT after calf injury?
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodThe major question revolves around USA star Christian Pulisic, who was substituted at half-time in their opening win over Paraguay before missing the victory against Australia altogether.
“It was impossible for him today to play,” Mauricio Pochettino said, referring to the forward’s hamstring injury. “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”
What can USA gain from Turkey dead rubber? This speech tells us everything
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodThe United States are guaranteed Group D winners while Turkey will definitely finish bottom – yet there is still plenty Mauricio Pochettino can learn, not least about the fitness of key man Christian Pulisic ahead of the knockout stage, writes Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles.
What can USA gain from Turkey dead rubber? This Pochettino speech tells us everything
Hello and welcome
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been a dream start to the World Cup for the United States. With excitement around the USMNT growing, can they continue their momentum against Turkey in Los Angeles to bolster their emerging status as tournament contenders?
The USA, on paper, have nothing to play for. After wins over Paraguay and Turkey, they are safely through to the knockout stages as winners of Group D. Turkey, too, have no skin in the game. They are already out after two defeats.
But the USA will want to fuel the belief that this could be a special summer, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team returns to the So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of their impressive opening victory over Paraguay.
Kick off is at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET, which works out to 3am BST.
Lalas 'unwatchable'
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:45 , Jack RathbornAlexi Lalas has been accused of “unwatchable” World Cup 2026 punditry for Fox Sports by former USA teammate Eric Wynalda.
Lalas has former part of the primary team of analysts for the American broadcaster, alongside Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, and anchored by Rebecca Lowe.
The chemistry between the trio of pundits has been criticised by many, with Henry and Ibrahimovic’s apparent disdain towards their colleague.
Alexi Lalas scolded by former USA teammate over ‘unwatchable’ World Cup punditry
