The United States men's national team suffered a cruel 3-2 defeat to Türkiye at So Fi Stadium, with Kaan Ayhan's stoppage-time winner crushing a resilient second-half display. Auston Trusty opened scoring in the second minute, but Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü put Türkiye ahead before Sebastian Berhalter equalized after the break. The loss stung, but Christian Pulisic's return provided attacking spark that had been missing.

Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated his lineup, keeping only Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi from the previous starting XI. Four regular starters sat out due to yellow card concerns, including Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson. Matt Turner struggled in goal, allowing the decisive goal through his legs. Despite the result, defender Chris Richards emphasized the value of match experience for squad players.

The performance exposed defensive vulnerabilities when first-choice center backs are unavailable. Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie misread situations repeatedly, while the midfield failed to shield the backline effectively. Türkiye manager Vincenzo Montella also rotated seven players, creating a chaotic but entertaining contest.

Pulisic's introduction in the 58th minute immediately improved fluidity in attack, showcasing why his fitness matters for knockout rounds. The late collapse serves as a harsh reminder that concentration in closing moments separates contenders from pretenders. Depth concerns linger, but winning the group keeps the USMNT's World Cup hopes intact.