Türkiye bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with pride and renewed optimism after producing a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States in their final Group D fixture, earning their first win of the tournament with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Already eliminated after defeats in their opening two matches, the Crescent Stars delivered their most complete performance of the competition, overturning an early deficit before Kaan’s 90+9th-minute strike sealed a memorable victory and ensured they left the tournament on a credible note.
The United States made a dream start when Auston Trusty found the net inside the opening three minutes. The defender’s goal took the Americans to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, equalling their highest scoring tally in a single edition of the tournament, having also scored seven times in both 1930 and 2002.
Trusty’s strike also entered the history books as the second-fastest World Cup goal ever scored by the United States, behind only Clint Dempsey’s famous first-minute goal against Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Türkiye responded almost immediately through Arda Güler, who equalised in the 10th minute with another composed finish. At just 21 years and four months old, the Real Madrid midfielder became the youngest player ever to score for Türkiye at a FIFA World Cup, surpassing Emre Belözoğlu’s record set during the 2002 tournament.
The comeback was completed in the 31st minute when Orkun Kökçü gave Türkiye a deserved 2-1 lead, capping an impressive first-half turnaround after their nightmare opening.
The Americans responded once again early in the second half, with Sebastián Berhalter restoring parity in the 49th minute to set up a tense finale as both sides pushed relentlessly for victory.
Just as the contest appeared destined to end level, Kaan emerged as Türkiye’s hero. His dramatic winner deep into stoppage time sparked jubilant celebrations and secured all three points in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
Arda Güler was deservedly named the Superior Player of the Match after another outstanding display. In addition to becoming Türkiye’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer, the gifted playmaker dictated the tempo of the game, created chances, and inspired his side’s attacking play throughout the contest.
While the victory was not enough to change Türkiye’s fate, it offered a fitting conclusion to a disappointing campaign. Having already been eliminated following consecutive defeats, Vincenzo Montella’s side showed remarkable resilience, determination, and attacking quality to defeat the United States in dramatic fashion, providing supporters with renewed belief for the future.
For the United States, the defeat ended an otherwise productive attacking display. Despite equalling their highest-ever goal tally at a single FIFA World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino’s side were ultimately undone by Türkiye’s relentless pressure and late heroics.
Although Türkiye’s World Cup journey came to an end, they departed with their heads held high, proving their quality and character by producing one of the competition’s most captivating performances. Led by the brilliance of Arda Güler and capped by Kaan’s unforgettable stoppage-time winner, the Crescent Stars ensured their final chapter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was one of resilience, pride, and hope for the future.
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