World Cup 2026

USMNT 2-3 Türkiye winners and losers: Pulisic returns, Berhalter impresses

Mauricio Pochettino’s team lost their 100% record, falling to already-eliminated Türkiye in the group stage finale.

DANIEL COLE

Journalist, AS USA

A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.

Update: Jun 26th, 2026 00:12 EDT

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The United States lost 3-2 to Türkiye in their third and final group stage fixture. The USMNT rested players ahead of the all-important knockout games but Thursday’s defeat robs Mauricio Pochettino’s team of momentum.

With top spot in Group D already confirmed, Pochettino opted to make nine changes to the team that beat Australia 2-0 last week. Only Ricardo Pepi and Weston McKennie remained in the starting XI and Christian Pulisic was named on the bench.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the USMNT’s group stage loss against Türkiye, a final outing before the chaos of knockout soccer begins next week...

Winner - Sebastian Berhalter

USMNT 2-3 Türkiye winners and losers: Pulisic returns, Berhalter impresses — Berhalter had one of his best games in a USMNT jersey, scoring a well-taken goal. DANIEL COLE

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder was not a universally popular choice when named in the 2026 World Cup roster but he showed his quality against Türkiye. Typically pigeon-holed as an energetic but limited option in midfield, stepped up brilliantly in the absence of Tyler Adams. Scored his first World Cup goal with a low drive from the edge of the box and played a clever pass to set up Christian Pulisic in the second half.

Loser - Los Angeles fans

After the incredible highs of the first two games, those in attendance in Los Angeles on Thursday will have been hoping for another famous night at the World Cup. It wasn’t to be and the USMNT lost to an already-eliminated Türkiye to end the group stage. A 3-2 defeat has no material significance for the US with top spot in the group already wrapped up, but it does dim some of the team’s momentum and denies supporters a historic third win out of three to end the group.

Winner - Christian Pulisic’s left calf

Exceeding even the great Neymar, Christian Pulisic possesses the most talked-about calf at the 2026 World Cup. Substituted due to injury at halftime in the opener and sidelined for game two, there will have been some concern when Pulisic was named on the bench again against Türkiye. However he was able to make his return in the second half and looked sharp, speedy and constantly dangerous during his 30 minutes on the field.

Loser - Ricardo Pepi

Was given a tough assignment, leading the line for much-changed starting XI against a steely Turkish defense. Failed to have any real impact on the game and struggled to connect with his teammates in any meaningful way. Most frustratingly, missed a glorious late chance to win the game for the USMNT after a neat through-ball from Pulisic.