ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — The United States advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group D winners despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday night. The match was decided in the 98th minute of extra time.

The U.S. rested nine of its 11 starters for the match. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute to give the U.S. an early 1-0 lead. The team scored again within the first three minutes of the second half. Sebastian Berhalter recorded a goal and an assist in the loss.

The U.S. won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1930 and attempted to go 3-0 in group play for the first time in program history, but ultimately lost their final group match to Turkey.

Pulisic returns from injury

Christian Pulisic made his return to the pitch Thursday night, entering the match in second half. He had been sidelined with a calf strain since June 12.

USA’s road in the knockout stage

The U.S. finished first in Group D and will face Bosnia in the round of 32 next Wednesday, July 1.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino shifted the team’s approach from a defensive-minded style to a more aggressive, offense-first system. The U.S. group stage opponents also included Paraguay and Australia, where they won both matches. Winning Group D allowed the USMNT to avoid some of the tournament’s heavyweights early on in knockouts.

Friday’s matches

Four matches are scheduled for Friday, June 26, including Norway vs. France, Spain vs. Uruguay, Senegal vs. Iraq, and New Zealand vs. Belgium.

France is considered the tournament favorite. Kylian Mbappé has never lost a match in regulation at the World Cup. France won the 2018 World Cup and finished as runner-up in 2022, losing to Argentina on penalty kicks. France was the runner-up in 2022.

Spain is led by 20-year-old Lamin Yamal. The winner of Senegal vs. Iraq will advance to the knockout round.

Tournament notes

Only eight nations have ever won the FIFA World Cup, with Brazil holding the most titles.

Morocco, which finished fourth in 2022, played Brazil to a draw during group play of this tournament and remains in contention.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup, is considered a key factor in Portugal’s chances.

Teams that advance to the round of 32 earn $12 million.

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