Kaan Ayhan’s Late Winner Caps Türkiye’s Thrilling 3–2 Comeback Over USA
In a breathless, end-to-end contest at SoFi Stadium, Türkiye produced a stirring comeback to defeat the United States 3–2, with Kaan Ayhan's stoppage-time strike settling one of the matches of the group stage.
The hosts could not have started better. Auston Trusty headed the United States in front inside three minutes, igniting the partisan crowd and suggesting a comfortable evening might lie ahead. Instead, Türkiye responded with the poise of a side rich in attacking talent.
Arda Güler, one of the tournament's brightest young creators, levelled in the 10th minute, and by the half-hour Türkiye had turned the game on its head, Burak Yılmaz finishing in the 31st minute to make it 2–1. The United States, roared on by their support, refused to wilt: Sebastian Berhalter restored parity in the 49th minute to set up a frantic finale.
It was Türkiye who found the decisive moment. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Ayhan struck in the 90th minute to break American hearts and send the Turkish bench spilling onto the touchline.
For Türkiye, it is a result that captures both their quality and their character — the talent to score three against a host nation, and the nerve to win it at the death. Few sides will fancy facing them in the knockout rounds.
For the United States, it is a chastening lesson. Twice they led, twice they were pegged back, and ultimately they were undone by a moment of Turkish composure. The margins at a World Cup are unforgiving, and this one fell the wrong way.
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⚽ Goals (5)
Cards (1)
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