Preview: Turkiye vs USA prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Crescent Stars eye stunning hosts USA after an early exit from FIFA World Cup 2026.

Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in California, United States of America, gears up to host the final Matchweek fixtures in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where hosts USA take on Anatolian nation Turkiye in a thrilling contest.

After two matchweeks, Turkiye vs USA was supposed to be the deciding clash to determine who would finish atop Group D. But shockingly, the European powerhouse has been eliminated after two defeats, and USA has already qualified for the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026.

There was too much hope and expectation for Turkiye as they returned to the grandest stage of football after nearly two decades. Moreover, the last time they took part in the World Cup, they finished third. This time around, they had one of the finest and most valuable squads in the World Cup.

But destiny didn’t seem kinder to Turkiye, who faced back-to-back defeats to Australia and Paraguay, which saw them take an early exit. Despite four players in their last eleven currently playing in top European leagues, they have failed to deliver and will be hoping to end their campaign with a win over the USA.

USA have cemented their place at the top of Group D without any reluctance so far. They kickstarted the campaign with a 4-1 win over a defensively resolute Paraguay. Then the host nation went on to get the better of the Socceroos in the last game by 2-0 that sealed their knockout berth.

This match’s result would not affect the standings of both teams, but it is an opportunity for Turkiye to end the campaign with a statement win. Pochettino, on the other hand, would be keen to test his bench strength and rotate a few players as the Stars and Stripes have nothing to play for.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Inglewood, California, USA
• Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
• Date: Thursday, June 25
• Kick-off time: 3 a.m. BST, 7:30 a.m. IST, Friday, June 26 / 7 p.m. local PDT]
• Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
• VAR: In use

Form:

Turkiye (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-W

USA (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-L

Players to Watch

Kenan Yildiz (Turkiye)

There was too much hope and expectation for Yildiz, who was coming off a highly productive spell with Juventus, having made 24 goal contributions in over 50 games for I Bianconeri. He did step up against Paraguay, but the result did not yield a goal.

He had created the most chances for Turkiye in the last game against Paraguay and also had the joint-most touches in the opposition box and took the joint-most shots. He will look forward to finding his name in the scoresheet in Turkiye’s final World Cup game against the USA.

Matt Freese (USA)

The American custodian is coming after a clean sheet against Australia in the last game, and has conceded just one goal so far in the tournament against Paraguay. Before the knockout round begins, Pochettino would not be keen to make any changes between the sticks for USA.

A Harvard alum, Freese plays for New York City FC in the Major League Soccer. His reflex agility is mind-blowing. He will face some of the finest attacking stars against Turkiye, and keeping a clean sheet against the European outfit will be his ultimate challenge to boost confidence before the knockouts.

Match Facts

• Turkiye won the game 2-1 against USA when these two sides last met.
• USA last defeated Turkiye 12 years ago in friendlies
• Clint Dempsey of USA is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Turkiye vs USA: Betting Tips and Odds

• Turkiye to win– 11/4 with Betfred
• Kenan Yildiz to score – 3/1 with Betfred
• Turkiye 2-1 USA – 10/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Kenan Yildiz had a calf problem, but he seems fully fit to start. Montella might look to give some game time to benched players too.

Pochettino might make a handful of changes as the USA have nothing to play for. Pulisic may be rested. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson are all on yellow cards and might be dropped by Pochettino for the next game.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 05

Turkiye won: 02

USA won: 02

Matches drawn: 01

Predicted Lineups

Turkiye predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Uğurcan Çakır (GK); Mert Müldür, Ozan Kabak, Merih Demiral, Ferdi Kadıoğlu; Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Salih Özcan; Kenan Yıldız, Arda Güler, Yunus Akgün; Deniz Gül

USA predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Matt Freese (GK); Max Arfsten, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally; Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan; Alejandro Zendejas, Giovanni Reyna, Timothy Weah; Ricardo Pepi.

Match Prediction

We expect Turkiye to go all guns blazing in the next game. Despite getting eliminated, they have one of the best squads on paper and USA might rest their key players ahead of this game.

Prediction: Turkiye 2-1 USA

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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