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USA vs. Turkey: 2026 World Cup Group B Final Matchday in Los Angeles

Summarized June 26, 2026
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The United States and Turkey meet at Los Angeles Stadium in the final Group B fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a match with dramatically different stakes for each side. The U.S. has already secured first place in the group and a spot in the Round of 32, making history as group winners for just the third time ever and the first since the 2010 South Africa tournament, when they topped a group containing England, Slovenia, and Algeria.

Turkey, meanwhile, became only the second team eliminated from the tournament — after Haiti — following consecutive losses to Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0). Despite generating a respectable cumulative 3.53 xG across those two matches under coach Vincenzo Montella, the Turks have nothing to show for it: no points, no goals. Their only remaining motivation is pride and the prospect of spoiling the hosts' celebration on American soil.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has the luxury of rotation, with his side mathematically locked into first place regardless of results elsewhere. That could mean key players get rest ahead of the knockout stage, lowering the intensity of what might otherwise be a high-pressure home fixture.

Turkey's starting lineup features a 4-2-3-1 with Ugurcan Cakir in goal and a technically gifted attack headlined by Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, with Orkun Kokcu anchoring midfield alongside Salih Ozcan. High-profile names like Hakan Calhanoglu and Kerem Akturkogli are among the substitutes, suggesting Montella may have rotated or is holding options in reserve.

Key Takeaways

  • USA clinch Group B first place, advance to Round of 32
  • First U.S. group win since South Africa 2010
  • Turkey eliminated — second team out after Haiti
  • Turkey 0 points, 0 goals despite 3.53 xG in two games
  • Pochettino expected to rotate squad ahead of knockouts
  • Guler and Yildiz start for Turkey; Calhanoglu on bench
Read original article at Espn

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