The Americans can secure first place in Group D with another win, while Türkiye looks to avoid leaving the 2026 World Cup empty-handed.

JAMIE SQUIRE

World Cup 2026

USMNT starting lineup vs Türkiye: Mauricio Pochettino thinks formation for the final group game of the 2026 World Cup

Alejandro Reza

Update: Jun 25th, 2026 14:42 EDT

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The United States heads into its final 2026 World Cup group-stage game brimming with confidence after opening the tournament with back-to-back victories. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will now look to complete a perfect first round against Türkiye, finishing atop Group D with a flawless record.

The co-hosts have enjoyed an impressive start to the tournament. They opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay before following it up with a 2-0 win over Australia, capitalizing on defensive mistakes to secure qualification for the knockout stage with a game to spare.

One of the standout performers for the United States has been Folarin Balogun, who has emerged as the team’s biggest attacking threat. The striker is enjoying an excellent tournament, and Pochettino will hope his hot streak continues as the Americans aim to carry momentum into the knockout rounds. Then again, given he has a yellow card hanging over him, he may well be left out.

Türkiye seeks a respectable farewell

Türkiye, meanwhile, enters the game with nothing but pride left to play for. Two consecutive defeats have already sealed its elimination from the 2026 World Cup, making the team one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments given the talent throughout its roster.

Despite boasting players such as Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız and Burak Yılmaz, Türkiye has yet to score or collect a single point. Against the United States, its objective will simply be to avoid ending the tournament empty-handed by earning at least a draw or finally finding the back of the net.

Predicted XIs for United States vs Türkiye

Türkiye may well start with Uğurcan Çakır; Mert Müldür, Merih Demiral, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ferdi Kadıoğlu; İsmail Yüksek, Hakan Çalhanoğlu; Yunus Akgün, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız; and Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

The United States could field Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards*, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson*; Tyler Adams*, Malik Tillman, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie; Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun*.

*Richards, Robinson, Adams and Balogun all have a booking so may be left out.

Group D standings

The United States sits atop Group D with six points, while Australia and Paraguay each have three. Türkiye is bottom of the group without a point and can no longer qualify for the knockout stage.

Date, kickoff time and how to watch

Türkiye and the United States meet on Thursday, June 25, at Los Angeles Stadium in the final round of Group D. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.