Turkey take on United States in the 2026 World Cup on Friday at 3am (UK time). Neither side has anything to play for with Turkey already eliminated and United States confirmed as group winners.
The United States head into Thursday’s Matchday 3 fixture at SoFi Stadium already through to the Round of 32 after back-to-back wins – a 4-1 dismantling of Paraguay and a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia. Pochettino’s side top Group D with six points and a plus-five goal difference.
Turkey arrive at SoFi Stadium in the worst possible position: two defeats, no goals scored, three conceded, and nothing riding on the result in the standings. Turkey became one of the first sides eliminated at the tournament, confirming their exit after back-to-back defeats to Australia and Paraguay. For Montella’s side, Thursday represents nothing more than a chance to restore some national pride before heading home.
The sides have met five times previously, with the Turkey winning their most recent encounter – a 2-1 friendly in 2025. This is their first competitive meeting. Both teams have won twice, with their first ever meeting ending in a draw
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Turkey vs United States team news
Turkey team news
The Turkey squad head into Friday’s fixture carrying the weight of the most disappointing campaign in Group D. Montella faces no fresh injury concerns but must decide whether to stick with the experienced core that has underperformed or give minutes to younger players with fresh legs. The biggest selection dilemma surrounds the attack – a department that has failed to score in 180 minutes of World Cup football.
Kenan Yildiz should be available despite his calf strain, having managed 45 minutes off the bench against Paraguay. Montella looks set to hand him a starting berth for the first time at this tournament. Kerem Akturkoglu will lead the forward line and carries the strongest recent scoring record in the Turkish squad – eager to end a goalless tournament on a positive note. Arda Güler retains his place in the attacking midfield role despite failing to produce a decisive contribution so far.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu anchors the midfield with 105 caps and 22 international goals. His creative output remains Turkey’s primary route to unlocking the American defence. Montella may opt to freshen up the centre-back pairing, with Ozan Kabak pushing for a start alongside Merih Demiral.
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United States team news
Pochettino faces the most complicated selection dilemma of his tenure. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson all carry yellow cards. Pochettino cannot risk any of them picking up a second booking against Turkey. A second yellow card here would trigger an automatic suspension for their Round of 32 match – a price Pochettino simply cannot pay. Expect all four to drop to the bench regardless of their fitness.
With Balogun rested, Ricardo Pepi steps in as the lone striker. It’s a great chance for the PSV forward to make his mark at SoFi Stadium. Auston Trusty should slot into central defence alongside Miles Robinson, with Max Arfsten coming in at left-back. Cristian Roldan should partner Sebastian Berhalter in the holding midfield role.
Christian Pulisic also looks set to sit this one out, with his calf injury making management sensible. Giovanni Reyna and Malik Tillman should provide the attacking thrust behind Pepi, with Timothy Weah on the right flank.
Turkey vs United States predicted lineups
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Kabak, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Guler, Kokcu, Yildiz; Akturkoglu.
United States (4-2-3-1): Freese; Scally, Trusty, M. Robinson, Arfsten; Roldan, Berhalter; Weah, Reyna, Tillman; Pepi.
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