World Cup 2026: Turkey lead United States at half-time (2-1)

Tirs cadres: Turkey 2 / United States 7
Tirs: Turkey 7 / United States 17
Possession: Turkey 47% / United States 53%
Corners: Turkey 2 / United States 9
Fautes: Turkey 13 / United States 12
Cartons jaunes: Turkey 0 / United States 1
Cartons rouges: Turkey 0 / United States 0

The two teams made a lively start to the match. In a 4-1-2-3 system, the Americans quickly imposed an attacking press that allowed Trusty, a defender, to find the breakthrough from the outset after an assist from Sebastian Berhalter. However, Turkey, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 under Vincenzo Montella, quickly responded through attacking midfielder Arda Güler, set up by Baris Alper Yilmaz, to equalise shortly after the 10th minute.

What followed was more balanced Turkish dominance, reflected in Orkun Kökçü’s goal from an Eren Elmalı pass. The United States suffered a setback when Sebastian Berhalter received a yellow card in the 19th minute, which could influence the management of the second half. The statistics confirm the commitment of both teams — 57% possession for the United States but Turkish efficiency in the opposition half, with two shots on target from four total attempts, compared with four shots, including two on target, for the Americans.

Turkish goalkeeper Ugur Çakır has made three crucial saves against eight opposition attempts. This context creates a tactical debate for coach Patrick Pochettino, who will need to strengthen defensive solidity while reigniting the attack in a must-deliver second half to avoid a slip-up. Turkey, driven by the sharpness of Güler and Kökçü, remain in control as they try to claim their first points in this competition.