Ayhan’s last-gasp winner gives Türkiye thrilling victory over USA

Türkiye ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States at Los Angeles Stadium, thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time winner in a pulsating Group B encounter.

Although both sides entered the match with little at stake—Türkiye already eliminated and the United States assured of top spot in the group—the contest delivered excitement, quality, and five goals in front of a packed crowd in Southern California.

The United States made a dream start, taking the lead after just three minutes.

Sebastian Berhalter’s corner found Auston Trusty completely unmarked at the far post, and the defender calmly controlled before firing past Ugurcan Cakir to make it 1-0. The goal was the second-fastest World Cup strike in USMNT history.

Türkiye responded brilliantly. In the 10th minute, Real Madrid star Arda Güler produced a moment of class, finishing a flowing move he had started himself.

After exchanging passes with Baris Alper Yılmaz, Güler arrived in the box to convert Yılmaz’s square pass and level the score.

The Turkish side continued to grow in confidence and completed the turnaround on the half-hour mark.

A slick attacking move involving Kenan Yıldız, Güler and Orkun Kökçü ended with Yılmaz applying the finishing touch from close range to give Vincenzo Montella’s men a 2-1 advantage.

The United States, however, responded immediately after halftime.

Just four minutes into the second period, Berhalter capped an impressive performance by smashing a first-time shot from outside the box into the net after Türkiye failed to clear a long throw-in, restoring parity at 2-2.

The remainder of the match was played at a frantic pace.

Christian Pulisic came off the bench and nearly put the Americans ahead, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Cakir.

At the other end, Yıldız narrowly missed the target with a trademark curling effort as both teams searched for a winner.

With the clock ticking into the eighth minute of stoppage time, Türkiye finally found the decisive breakthrough.

Güler once again played a crucial role, creating space before Salih Özcan delivered a superb cross to Can Uzun.

The substitute squared the ball across goal, where Ayhan arrived to bundle it home from close range and spark wild celebrations among the Turkish supporters.

The victory gave Türkiye their first points and first goals of the tournament, ending a disappointing campaign with pride restored.

For the United States, it was their first defeat of the World Cup, though Mauricio Pochettino’s side still progress comfortably as Group B winners and will now turn their attention to their Round of 32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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