Group D Preview: USA vs Turkey – Hosts Aim for Top Spot
The USA face Turkey in the final Group D match, needing only a draw to secure top spot. Turkey must win to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Group D concludes with a crucial clash between the USA and Turkey at SoFi Stadium. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the hosts look to seal top spot.
The USA lead the group with six points from two wins, while Turkey sit third with three points. A draw is enough for the USA to finish first, while Turkey must win to guarantee progression.
If Turkey wins and Paraguay beats Australia, three teams could finish on six points, making goal difference critical. The USA have a +2 GD, Turkey are at 0, and Paraguay are at +1.
US coach Gregg Berhalter insists his team will play to win: 'We won't sit back. But we know a draw is enough.' Turkey's coach calls for an aggressive approach.
Key players to watch: Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie for the USA, and Turkish striker Burak Yılmaz, who scored in the opening match against Paraguay.
The only previous meeting between these sides was a 1-1 friendly in 2014. This World Cup encounter promises much more drama.
Winning the group would give the USA a potentially easier path in the knockout stage. Turkey aim to replicate their 2002 World Cup semifinal run.
This article is from wc2026guides.com, an unofficial fan site. For match schedules and group standings, visit our matches and groups pages.