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Kaan Ayhan Scores Late Winner as Turkiye Defeats US 3-2 at 2026 World Cup
Turkiye beat the United States 3-2 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 26 but exited at the group stage despite the win, Qatar News Agency reported from Washington. Arda Guler, Baris Yilmaz and Kaan Ayhan scored for the visitors while Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter replied for the hosts in a match that went down to the wire.
Qatar News Agency detailed the rapid start to the match in the US capital. The home side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of Auston Trusty. Arda Guler restored equality for Turkiye only seven minutes afterward. Baris Yilmaz then put the visitors in front with a goal on the half-hour mark. The first half concluded with Turkiye holding a 2-1 lead.
The news agency continued its match summary by noting the second-half developments. Sebastian Berhalter drew the United States level early after the restart with a goal in the 49th minute. Both teams then searched for a winning goal as the clock wound down. Kaan Ayhan finally delivered in the eighth minute of stoppage time. His strike ensured a 3-2 triumph for Turkiye in the Group D contest.
According to Qatar News Agency, the victory was not sufficient for Turkiye to progress beyond the group phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match served as the final one for the side in Group D at this World Cup. The agency provided the detailed timeline of all five goals scored during the encounter. This included the precise timing of the winner deep in added time. The report originated from Washington where the game was held.
FIFA has outlined that the 2026 World Cup is the first expanded edition featuring 48 teams. The governing body divided the sides into 12 groups of four for the opening phase. This adjustment allows more nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The United States is among the three co-hosts for the event alongside Canada and Mexico. The format contributed to a series of decisive matches on the final day of the group stage.
On the same day Qatar News Agency covered additional 2026 FIFA World Cup results from other groups. Australia managed to qualify for the round of 32 following their match. Japan and Sweden also secured their places in the knockout stage. The Netherlands recorded a 3-1 victory against Tunisia in their fixture. These outcomes contributed to the completion of the group phase across the tournament.
