USA Set Scoring Record in Group Stage
Despite a 3-2 loss to Turkiye in their final Group D match, the United States made history at the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Opta Analyst, the co-hosts became the first team ever to score multiple goals in all three group stage matches of a single World Cup. They opened with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, followed by a 2-0 victory against Australia, and then scored two goals in the defeat to Turkiye.
USA finished top of Group D with six points. Their eight goals in the group stage represent their highest-scoring World Cup campaign, surpassing previous records from 1930 and 2002.
Sebastian Berhalter Makes Individual History
Sebastian Berhalter etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player (since Opta started recording in 1966) to both score and assist in a World Cup match for the United States. He provided the assist for Auston Trusty's early goal and later scored a powerful equalizer in the 48th minute.
This loss marked only the second time USA has lost a World Cup match after scoring the opening goal, the first being a 3-1 defeat to Spain in 1950.
Match Recap: Turkiye's Late Comeback
USA struck early through Auston Trusty, who finished a corner from Sebastian Berhalter in the third minute. Turkiye responded quickly, with Arda Guler equalising in the 10th minute after a neat exchange with Baris Yilmaz. Guler's goal made him Turkiye's youngest scorer in World Cup history. Orkun Kokcu put Turkiye ahead in the 31st minute, set up by Eren Elmali.
After the break, Berhalter scored a powerful effort from outside the box in the 48th minute to level the match. USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino introduced senior players like Christian Pulisic to seek a winner, but Turkiye held firm. Deep into stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan bundled the ball home in the 98th minute to secure a 3-2 win. Arda Guler was named Player of the Match.
What's Next
USA will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2 in the round of 32 at Santa Clara. Turkiye, already eliminated, ended their campaign on a positive note. USA made nine changes to their starting XI after securing qualification earlier, which may have contributed to the loss.
