Christian Pulisic Returns as U.S. Falls to Turkey on Final Kick

The United States concluded its group stage on Thursday with an erratic and inconsistent display, losing for the first time in this World Cup as Türkiye claimed a 3-2 victory on the final kick of the game. Substitute Kaan Ayhan scored during a scramble in front of goal to deliver the decisive moment.

While Türkiye’s win delivered late drama, the result carried limited consequences for the United States. The team had already secured advancement after wins over Paraguay and Australia. The Americans entered the match knowing a round of 32 fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina awaited in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.

Christian Pulisic appeared for nearly the final half-hour, entering just before the hour mark and showing pace and energy. His performance drew attention after missing significant time earlier in the group stage.

Pulisic looked healthy, not slowed by the left calf injury that had forced him out at halftime of the opening game and kept him sidelined for the second. His movements suggested full confidence in his recovery.

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One surge from Pulisic produced a shot off the post after he raced onto a long diagonal pass that landed behind a Turkish defender. Moments later, he fired again and forced Ugurcan Çakir to make a save. In the closing stages, he attempted a left-footed strike from distance that went wide.

The attacking intensity shown by Pulisic underscored the importance of his return even in defeat. His aggression and timing drew cheers from the crowd despite the disappointing outcome.

“I felt healthy, I felt good, so it was really nice to be back with the team and get some minutes,” Pulisic told Fox. “I felt good, I felt good with the ball. It was a tough way to end for us for sure, but at the end of the day, we win the group, and we just have to look forward to next week.”

Coach Mauricio Pochettino had emphasized throughout the week that the team should pursue another victory to sustain momentum. A U.S. men’s team has never won all three group matches at a World Cup, and Pochettino pushed his players to compete with that goal in mind.

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Auston Trusty provided an early spark when he finished a sharp-angled shot off a Sebastian Berhalter corner kick in the third minute. The goal electrified the crowd of 70,492 and appeared to set a tone for another win.

Türkiye responded quickly, leveling in the 10th minute when Arda Güler converted after Mark McKenzie lost track of the play twice. Roughly 20 minutes later, Eren Elmali beat Joe Scally down the wing and crossed for Orkun Kökçü, who gave Türkiye a 2-1 lead.

Several regular starters, including Folarin Balogun, Pulisic, and Malik Tillman, did not start. Tim Ream and Chris Richards were also rested, as yellow card accumulation remained a concern for Richards, Tyler Adams, Balogun, and Antonee Robinson.

Berhalter brought the U.S. level again early in the second half with a powerful half-volley from outside the penalty area that beat Çakir at the near post. The Americans controlled much of the possession afterward, seeking to retake the lead.

Despite their renewed control, the U.S. found no breakthrough as Ayhan capitalized late. His goal sealed Türkiye’s win just before the final whistle, marking the Americans’ first defeat of the tournament.

After the match, Pulisic emphasized focus on knockout play. “We’re going to prepare as best we can,” he said. “We’re going to be ready once that game comes to give everything that we’ve got, we’re going to lay it all out there.”

He added, “Whether we won or lost, doesn’t change. We have to go into the next game with the same mentality. We have to win that game, knockout round, and it’s time to step up when it matters.”

As the group stage closed, the U.S. finished with two wins and one loss. With the round of 32 confirmed, attention now turns to preparation for Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara on Wednesday.

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