Turkey - USA / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Turkey vs. USA match in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, which can also be watched live on JOJ play, kicks off at 4:00 AM.

The qualification puzzle in Group D is definitively solved before the final whistle, and both teams enter the match with vastly different mindsets. While the host nation, the United States, has comfortably secured a luxurious first place, Turkey, after two extremely frustrating defeats, is now playing solely for national pride and their very first goal of the tournament.

Turkey, following 0-2 losses to Australia and 0-1 to Paraguay, remains without a point and holds a 0-3 goal difference. However, looking at the statistics, this situation appears to be an absolute anomaly. The Turks were far from outplayed; on the contrary, they are suffering from an extreme, almost historic, inability to convert chances. In their first two matches, they unleashed an incredible 62 shots on their opponents' goals.

In the match against Paraguay alone, they dominated with nearly 79% possession, generated 32 attempts with an expected goals (xG) value of 2.17, yet only a paltry five shots were on target. A similar pattern emerged in their opening game against Australia, where they registered 30 attempts and eight corners. Agile Kenan Yildiz leads the team in shooting activity with twelve attempts in the tournament, having had at least two shots in seven of his last eight international appearances. However, the coach will need to address not only efficiency but also potential rotation, as Yunus Akgün's participation is questionable.

Conversely, the host nation, the USA, is enjoying a dream tournament. After convincing 4-1 victories over Paraguay and 2-0 over Australia, they have secured their progression from the top spot. The team has unleashed an offensive whirlwind from the opening seconds, managing to score within the first fifteen minutes in both matches.

Given their unassailable position in the group, coach Mauricio Pochettino is almost certain to make significant rotations. Christian Pulisic is expected to be absent due to calf issues, and the coaching staff will not risk him unnecessarily. Players at risk of suspension due to yellow cards, including Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson, are also likely to remain on the bench. However, the broader American squad boasts immense quality, a fact underscored by the USA scoring at least twice in seven of their last nine international fixtures.

The historical head-to-head record between these two teams is perfectly balanced, with both sides claiming two victories and one draw. Interestingly, all four decisive matches ended with an identical 2-1 scoreline, with Turkey most recently triumphing in June 2025. An open game is anticipated, as the hosts can play with maximum freedom, devoid of qualification pressure, while Turkey will give their all to bid farewell to the championship with their heads held high and at least one goal to their name.