Team USA Looks to Finish Perfect Group Stage in World Cup Clash with Turkey

The United States men’s national team has already secured first place in Group D, but there is still plenty to play for when it faces Turkey on Wednesday night in its final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After opening the tournament with an impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay and following it with a 2-0 win over Australia, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad enters the match looking to complete a perfect 3-0 group stage for the first time in program history. While the Americans have already locked up a Round of 32 berth, maintaining momentum before the knockout stage remains a priority.

Turkey, meanwhile, has been one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities and ranking among the leaders in possession and total shots, the Turks have lost both matches without scoring, falling 2-0 to Australia before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Paraguay. Already eliminated from knockout contention, they will be playing for pride in front of what is expected to be a strong crowd at SoFi Stadium.

Pochettino has already confirmed he will rotate several starters to avoid suspensions entering the knockout round. Defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, midfielder Tyler Adams, and striker Folarin Balogun all carry yellow cards and are expected to be rested.

Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf issue but may also see limited action as the coaching staff prioritizes player health ahead of next week’s Round of 32.

Ricardo Pepi, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson are among the players expected to receive larger roles against Turkey as the United States looks to keep its unbeaten run intact. The Americans have outscored opponents 6-1 through two matches while displaying a balanced attack and organized defense.

Other World Cup Games on Thursday

Several other groups will also conclude play on Wednesday, with multiple knockout spots still undecided.

• Turkey vs. United States
  • 10 p.m. ET
  • SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
  • USA already qualified as Group D winner.
  • Turkey playing for pride after elimination.
  • Team USA expected to rotate several starters.
• Paraguay vs. Australia
  • 10 p.m. ET
  • Both teams remain in contention for a Round of 32 berth.
  • Qualification scenarios could come down to goal differential depending on the result in the USA-Turkey match.
• Germany vs. Ecuador
  • 4 p.m. ET
  • Germany has already secured first place in Group E.
  • Ecuador needs a positive result to improve its knockout chances.
• Curacao vs. Ivory Coast
  • 4 p.m. ET
  • Curacao looks to continue one of the tournament’s biggest surprise runs.
  • Ivory Coast must win to maximize its qualification hopes.
• Japan vs. Sweden
  • 7 p.m. ET
  • Japan can complete an unbeaten group stage.
  • Sweden is seeking a bounce-back performance to advance.
• Netherlands vs. Tunisia
  • 7 p.m. ET
  • Netherlands aims to secure first place in Group F.
  • Tunisia enters the match already eliminated.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGM have installed the United States as the favorite despite the expected squad rotation, reflecting the Americans’ strong form throughout the group stage. The moneyline has generally opened with the U.S. around -110, while the total is set at 2.5 goals. Bettors will be watching starting lineups closely before kickoff, as Pochettino’s personnel decisions could significantly impact both sides and totals markets. A victory would send the United States into the knockout round with maximum points and added confidence as it prepares for the Round of 32 next week.