Prediction: Turkey vs USA

Turkey and the United States will meet at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday evening, as both nations close their 2026 World Cup group-stage campaigns in Group D.

Turkey enters the match already eliminated after defeats to Australia and Paraguay, while the United States has already secured top spot in the group and will look to protect its momentum before the knockout stage.

Verdict: United States to win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet

Turkey enters this match with pride as its main motivation. Vincenzo Montella’s side arrived at the World Cup with optimism after ending a 24-year absence from the tournament, but back-to-back defeats have ended its campaign before the final round of fixtures.

The biggest frustration has been the lack of finishing. Turkey has created chances across the first two matches, but it has not found the net, and that has left the team under heavy criticism back home. Montella has defended his players and asked for respect, but he will also know that Turkey needs a response before leaving the tournament.

There is still enough quality in this squad to make the match competitive. Hakan Calhanoglu can control possession from midfield, Arda Guler gives Turkey creativity between the lines, while Kenan Yildiz and Kerem Akturkoglu can be a threat in wide and attacking areas.

However, with already being eliminated, the motive is questionable. Turkey came here with high ambitions and hopes for a deep run. The match against the hosts was expected to be the match that would decide the winner of the group, but it ended up being without competitive significance.

Turkey Team News

Vincenzo Montella may make changes after two disappointing results, but Turkey is still expected to approach the match with a strong side. With no knockout-stage place to protect, the coach can select players who are fresh and motivated to end the campaign properly.

Hakan Calhanoglu should remain one of the key midfield figures if selected. His passing range and set-piece quality can help Turkey create chances against a United States side that may rotate.

Arda Guler is another player who could be important. Turkey has struggled to convert possession into goals, and Guler’s ability to receive the ball in tight spaces could be one of its best routes to breaking through.

Further forward, Kenan Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Baris Alper Yilmaz are among the attacking names who could feature. Turkey needs more from its forwards after failing to score in the first two group matches.

United States

The United States enters this match in a strong position. Mauricio Pochettino’s side has already guaranteed first place in Group D after beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0, giving the host nation an excellent platform before the knockout stage.

That changes the context of this game. The United States does not need a result, but Pochettino has made it clear that he still wants hunger and intensity from the players he selects. That should keep the performance level high, even if several regular starters are rested.

The hosts have looked sharp in attack so far. The win over Paraguay showed their ability to punish defensive mistakes, while the victory over Australia proved that they can control a game more patiently. This match gives Pochettino a chance to keep the rhythm in the squad and give minutes to players who may be needed later in the tournament.

The United States also has the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd. Even with changes expected, the team should have enough pace, energy, and confidence to cause problems for a Turkish side that has already been eliminated.

United States Team News

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that he will not start Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, or Folarin Balogun because all four players are on yellow cards. That is a sensible decision with the knockout stage already secured.

Christian Pulisic has been dealing with a calf issue, but he has been cleared medically. Pochettino has not made a final decision on whether to start him or use him from the bench.

The rotation should give other players a chance to impress. The United States has already shown good squad depth during the tournament, and this match is an opportunity for fringe players to push for a bigger role.

Even with changes, the United States should still have a strong attacking structure. The host has scored six goals across its first two matches, and Turkey’s confidence looks fragile after two defeats without a goal.

Turkey vs USA Key Factors to Consider

• The United States has already secured the top spot in Group D after winning its first two matches.
• Turkey has been eliminated after losing to Australia and Paraguay.
• Pochettino has confirmed that Richards, Robinson, Adams, and Balogun will not start because they are on yellow cards.
• Christian Pulisic has been cleared medically, but his starting status remains uncertain.
• Turkey has not scored in its first two World Cup matches.
• The United States has scored six goals and conceded only once in the group stage.

Conclusion

Turkey should show more pride and urgency than it did in the first two matches. Montella’s side has enough talent to cause problems, especially if Calhanoglu and Guler can influence the game in midfield.

The United States still looks like the better pick. Pochettino will rotate, but the host has more confidence, better tournament momentum, and enough depth to keep a strong level on the pitch. Turkey’s lack of goals is also difficult to ignore.

This may not be a full-strength United States lineup, but it should still be a motivated one. With Turkey already out and still searching for its first goal of the tournament, the United States looks well placed to finish the group with another win.

Verdict: United States to win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: South Africa vs South Korea

Soccer Predictions

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.