- Turkey beat USA 2-1 in a friendly played just a year ago.
- Turkey have won four of their last five games in all competitions.
- Turkey play a possession-based game while the USA play on the attack.
Stars align for high-profile clash
Turkey sit third in the FIFA World Cup Group D table after one game, while the USA are on three points at the summit after their opening game.
Both sides are blessed with some emerging stars that will be looking to make a name for themselves in this World Cup, with the spotlight on the clash of these Group D sides on Friday.
Mauricio Pochettino has only been in charge of the USA since September 2024, but he has rapidly established the United States as an aggressive, high-pressing team that can hurt opponents in transition.
The USMNT won their opening group game in the 2026 World Cup by hammering Paraguay 4-1 after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Germany in their previous friendly at home. Folarin Balogun has been the big story in their attack, scoring twice in their opener and three of the last nine goals for his country, so he is worth a look in the anytime goalscorer markets.
Vincenzo Montella took charge of Turkey in September 2023, bringing a different style of play to the group as he instils a possession-based ethos on a team that plays best when they can dictate the tempo and time of the game.
With a double-pivot and creative midfield playmaker, Turkey look to overload the central areas and open up pockets of space in the opposition defence, whereas the USA are more likely to play on the front foot.
Poch's pressing to test Turkey
Turkey have not been at their best so far in this competition, however, as Montella's side beat Venezuela 2-1 away in a friendly and then lost 2-0 to Australia in their first game. They beat Venezuela 2-1 away from home, however, and have a good record against the USA after beating them 2-1 away from home last year. The USA are favourites here at 2.5, but that seems a little short considering Turkey are only just behind them at 2.65. The draw is 3.65 and a good price, but we think the better play is to take the odds against on both teams to score at 1.64, as the attacking matchup should be the most engaging aspect of this game. Balogun's form will make the USA more forward-focused, while Turkey will have the ball for large periods. Kenan Yıldız offers a cutting edge and pace up front, while Turkey have some quality playmakers in Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler to keep the ball in dangerous areas. Turkey's build-up style will be a contrast to the USA's pressing style, so it will be a chess match with the transitions likely to be where the game is won and lost. The USA have had the big win already and Balogun is in form, but Turkey have won four of their last five in all competitions and beat the USA in this fixture last year, so we're going with Turkey to continue their good run.
