USA vs Türkiye Preview: Americans Aim to Complete Perfect Group Stage as Turks Seek First Goal
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The United States men's national team can complete an unbeaten group stage when it faces Türkiye in its final Group D match at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday night.
The Americans have already secured top spot in the group with victories over Australia and Paraguay. Türkiye, meanwhile, has struggled offensively despite taking 62 shots across its first two matches without finding the net.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium. The match offers the U.S. an opportunity to build momentum heading into the knockout rounds while Türkiye seeks to salvage its tournament with at least a goal and positive result.
Team News and Lineup Considerations
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino faces decisions about squad rotation with the group stage already decided. Key players including Christian Pulisic have been managing injuries, while others have accumulated yellow cards that could lead to suspensions in the round of 32.
Pulisic has returned to full training after missing the Australia match with a calf issue. The coach must weigh the benefits of giving him minutes against the risk of further injury.
Defensive anchors Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, along with forward Folarin Balogun, sit on yellow cards. Limiting their minutes or benching them entirely could preserve their availability for the knockout stage.
Türkiye enters the match desperate for offensive production.........
