Turkey Stun USA 3-2 with Last-Minute Winner in Thrilling World Cup Clash

Turkey produced a dramatic stoppage-time finish to defeat the United States 3-2 in a tense World Cup Group D encounter on Thursday night, sealing their only win of the tournament in unforgettable fashion.

The decisive moment came on the very last kick of the match when Kaan Ayhan turned in a close-range finish after Can Uzun found space at the back post and squared the ball across goal, leaving goalkeeper Matt Turner stranded.

Despite the defeat, the United States had already secured top spot in Group D following earlier wins over Paraguay and Australia , and coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to rotate heavily, naming nine new starters. Christian Pulisic returned to action in the 58th minute after recovering from a calf issue, having missed most of the previous match.

The US began brightly, taking an early lead in the third minute through Auston Trusty , but Turkey responded strongly. Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü struck in the first half to turn the game around, punishing defensive lapses and giving Turkey a 2-1 advantage at the break.

The Americans regrouped after halftime and found an equaliser through Sebastian Berhalter , who restored parity early in the second half to set up a tense finish. Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner, but it was Turkey who held their nerve in stoppage time.

For Turkey, already eliminated before kick-off, the victory provided a late lift and a reminder of their attacking quality. For the United States, the result serves as a warning despite progression, as they prepare to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.

The match, played at a lively tempo throughout, ended with Turkey celebrating a rare but memorable triumph, while the US were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a late defensive lapse that proved costly.