Kaan Ayhan's last kick sinks the USA as Türkiye win 3-2 in Inglewood

Key facts

• Result: Türkiye 3-2 USA, Group D, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood
• Scorers: Trusty 3', Güler 10', Kökçü 31', Berhalter 49', Ayhan 90+8'
• Openers: Auston Trusty put the USA ahead; Sebastian Berhalter equalised
• USMNT status: already qualified in the knockout stage. USA won their first two group games
• Next: USA face Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July at Levi's Stadium in the round of 32

How it happened

It started well enough for the USA team. In front of a star-studded crowd, with Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Alba, and Paris Hilton among the celebrities in the stands, Auston Trusty rose to head the Americans in front inside three minutes, Sebastian Berhalter floating in the cross.

Then the game tilted. Arda Güler, Real Madrid's young playmaker, and Orkun Kökçü both struck before the break for a 2-1 Türkiye lead. Berhalter hauled the hosts level after the restart with a clean volley from the edge of the box that kissed the near post on its way in. 2-2, and the thing looked balanced.

Türkiye had the last word. Deep into stoppage time, with the USA caught cold at the back, Ayhan reacted quickest inside the box and bundled the ball over the line. The referee blew up before the restart could even be taken. A side with nothing left to play for had found a way to win.

Pulisic returns but cannot rescue the hosts

Mauricio Pochettino's side were managing their qualification, with top spot in Group D secured before kick-off. Christian Pulisic, back from injury, came off the bench just before the hour. He struck the post, drawing a strong save from goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, and the chance to spoil Türkiye's evening slipped away.

The defeat did little to dent the mood among American fans. Their team finished top of Group D, with six points.

For Türkiye, the win was a rare bright moment in a tournament that ended early. Head coach Vincenzo Montella was under pressure to make some changes after two defeats. The comeback proved the squad could compete at the highest level, but if it may not be enough to secure Montella's future on the Türkiye bench. His team head home after their group-stage exit.

The United States move into the round of 32 to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July in Santa Clara.