World Cup 2026: Turkey challenge the United States at SoFi Stadium for top spot in Group D

In this group, which also includes Paraguay and Australia, Turkey sit bottom with zero points and a record of two defeats without scoring, including a 0-1 loss to Paraguay. The United States, meanwhile, have six points, with two wins, including a 2-0 victory over Australia. This match is decisive for final first place in the group, which offers an advantage in the round of 16.

The two teams have clearly defined stakes. Turkey, absent from the finals since 2002, must respond to keep alive their hopes of continuing their World Cup campaign, while the United States, co-hosts and in positive form, want to consolidate first place. The match therefore shapes up as a turning point, both strategic and symbolic.

The coaches, Vincenzo Montella for Turkey and Mauricio Pochettino for the United States, are relying on established lineups featuring several well-known key players. It will be a tactical duel between Turkey’s 4-2-3-1, focused on attacking creativity, and the United States’ 4-1-2-3, built around pressure and speed in transition.

With no major absences confirmed, the match promises to be highly contested. SoFi Stadium will provide the stage for a must-watch encounter, where control of Group D is at stake in this direct confrontation.

Focus on Turkey

Turkey line up in a 4-2-3-1 system as they look to prevail against the Americans. Coach Vincenzo Montella is banking on a solid defensive base, with a back line made up of Uğurcan Çakır in goal and a central defence led by Ozan Kabak and Ali Bardakcı. Full-backs Zeki Çelik and Emir Elmalı provide width.

In midfield, Oguzhan Özyakup and Salih Özcan provide the balance between defence and attack. Supporting centre-forward Burak Yılmaz, who has had a long international career, Arda Güler, Real Madrid’s breakout player in 2025/26, is the main attacking figure, flanked by Ozan Aydın and Kerem Yıldız to bring creativity and thrust.

This attacking setup allows Turkey to favour a fluid, possession-based game. Montella expects major commitment from his midfielders to support Yılmaz and unsettle the American defence. The bench also features experienced players such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu, capable of changing the course of the match.

Focus on the United States

The United States defend their chances with a very dynamic 4-1-2-3, led by Mauricio Pochettino. Matt Turner will guard the goal, protected by a defence featuring Josh Scally, Miles McKenzie, Matt Robinson and Aaron Trusty, who will form a block in front of him.

In midfield, Weston McKennie, a regular presence in major fixtures, occupies a key role, supported by Sebastian Berhalter and Gio Reyna, who are responsible for organising play. In attack, Timothy Weah brings pace on the flank while Ricardo Pepi will take the centre-forward role, supported by Brenden Aaronson, who can contribute in build-up phases as well as with the final touch.

This setup prioritises high pressing, quick recoveries and effective transitions, seeking to exploit the spaces left by a Turkey side more focused on controlling the ball. Pochettino, appointed in 2025, is clearly showing his ambition to take the United States far in the competition, relying on a compact collective and talented individuals.