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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The final group stage game of the 2026 World Cup didn’t turn out the way the U.S. men’s national team had hoped. Well, what is it?
After scoring in the first three minutes against Turkey on Thursday, June 25, Turkey fought back with two goals and entered halftime with a 2-1 lead. It was the first time Turkey had scored in this tournament, and the first time the United States had been on the back foot. The USMNT fought back with a goal in the second half to tie the game, but it was heartbreaking when Turkey scored a goal in the waning minutes of stoppage time to beat the USA 3-2.
This is the last game in the group stage before the Round of 32 begins, so while this loss may set off panic alarms for U.S. fans, there’s no need to worry too much. There wasn’t much stress in this game regarding the USMNT’s future prospects.
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America lost: Are they out of the World Cup?
America is fine.
The USMNT can afford to lose to Turkey as they have already won Group D, ensuring their standings and a spot in the Round of 32 regardless of Thursday’s result. The game against Turkey was meaningless as the United States advanced through the group stage by defeating Paraguay and Australia. The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1st.
That’s why manager Mauricio Pochettino has chosen a line-up made up mainly of substitute players.
Instead, the U.S. missed the chance to win all three group stage games, something they have never been able to accomplish in World Cup history.
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