Co-hosts USA are looking to make it a perfect 2026 FIFA World Cup group campaign when they take on already eliminated Turkey early Friday morning in California.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already secured their place in the knockout stages after successive wins against Paraguay and Australia. Their perfect start leaves them on top of Group D with six points, as they aim to finish as Group winners.
Turkey have already been eliminated after successive defeats to Paraguay and Australia, conceding three goals and still without a goal in the tournament. They are desperate to get a positive ending to an otherwise disappointing campaign.
A draw could be enough for the USA to finish on top of Group D, but to keep their fate in their own hands, they will go for all three points here.
After failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2018, the United States were knocked out in the round of 16 in Qatar 2022. With home advantage in their favor this time, they are eager to better their performance in the finals.
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Turkey were making a return to the tournament after a 24-year absence, last qualifying for the World Cup in the 2002 edition. This remains their best ever performance as they finished in third place after losing 1-0 to eventual winners Brazil in the semis.
Can the Turks save face and leave the tournament with some pride intact, or are USA going to make it three group wins in a row? Here is our predicted outcome for the game.
What time does Turkey vs USA start?
The match kicks off at 5AM E.A.T at the Los Angeles Stadium
Turkey vs USA team news
Vincenzo Montella is expected to make a few changes to his side, who despite attacking options have not managed to score a goal in the tournament.
Arder Guler and Kenan Yildiz have shown some individual moments of brilliance and they are set to retain their spots in the starting XI.
Hakan Calhanoglu is the other star player who will start here as well. Attacker Kerem Akturkoglu is probably going to be relegated to a place on the bench after a disappointing return from consecutive starts.
For the hosts, they had to do without the services of talisman Cristian Pulisic, who is suffering from a minor calf injury. He is likely to sit this one out as well, as he rests in preparation for the knockout stages.
Ricardo Pepi started the last match alongside Folarin Balogun up front and he is likely to maintain his spot in the starting lineup.
There are no other changes expected from Poch, with Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie providing extra attacking threat down the flanks.
Turkey vs USA head-to-head and current form
Turkey was unbeaten in eight games leading up to the World Cup, winning seven matches. Their impressive run was halted in their back-to-back defeats in the tournament without a goal in reply.
They take on a USA side who have lost two of their last five games; but they are seeking a third consecutive win here.
There has been nothing to separate these sides in the past, with either side winning twice and only one game resulting in a stalemate from their previous five matches.
Current form:
Turkey – LLWWW
USA – WWLWL
Turkey vs USA previous games
- USA 1-2 Turkey (June 7, 2025)
- USA 2-1 Turkey (June 1, 2014)
- USA 2-1 Turkey (May 29, 2010)
- Turkey 2-1 USA (June 19, 2003)
- Turkey 1-1 USA (September 4, 1991)
Turkey vs USA prediction
The fact that Turkey will only be playing for pride could either be good for the hosts or make everything harder. They have nothing to play for and this could see them put their best attacking foot forward.
With the USA looking to qualify as group winners, they too will go for it from the onset and this could open up the game to a few goals at least.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!