Turkey defeats United States 3-2 with Kaan Ayhan’s late goal

On Thursday night in the group stage, Turkey edged the United States 3-2 thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s 94th‑minute strike, earning the team’s only win of the 2026 World Cup. The US side had fielded a heavily rotated lineup and led early in the first half.

Turkey equalised twice before Ayhan’s late header from a set piece broke the deadlock. The victory revived Turkey’s chances of advancing from the group.