World Cup 2026: Turkey stun USA late as Australia hold Paraguay to seal last-32 place

Turkey snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the USA in Los Angeles thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Kaan Ayhan, ending the USMNT's perfect group-stage run in this World Cup. Despite the defeat, the USA had already secured qualification, while Turkey were already eliminated before kick-off. In the parallel match, Australia held Paraguay to a draw, a result that seals both teams' progression to the last 32.

The United States started strongly and opened the scoring early through Auston Trusty, capitalising on defensive hesitation inside the Turkish area. Their high pressing and intensity initially controlled the tempo, with Turkey struggling to settle.

Turkey gradually grew into the contest through Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü, with the latter finishing a well-worked move to bring the visitors level. Güler once again stood out with his technical quality and creativity, helping Turkey gain a foothold in midfield.

The second half swung back and forth. Mark McKenzie briefly saw a goal ruled out for offside, before Kökçü struck again to put Turkey ahead. The USA responded through Sebastian Berhalter, who levelled with a powerful first-time strike from distance to make it 2-2.

Christian Pulisic, introduced to a loud reception at SoFi Stadium, came close to deciding the match but was twice denied by outstanding saves from Uğurcan Çakır. However, deep into stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan pounced on a rebound to score from close range and seal a 3-2 victory for Turkey.

Convenient draw

Elsewhere, Australia's draw with Paraguay confirmed both teams' qualification for the last 32, completing a dramatic final matchday in Group D.

Neither team was willing to push the pace for ‌large stages of the match in Santa Clara, knowing that a loss ⁠might prevent them from advancing.

Only seven shots were placed on target the entire match: five by Australia and two by Paraguay. Overall, the Socceroos ​had a 12-7 advantage in shots.

Orlando Gil made five ‌saves for Paraguay and Australia counterpart Patrick Beach had two stops. Jordan Bos had two opportunities for the Aussies late in the match.

In the 83rd minute, he got caught ‌up in traffic and could only get off a left footed roller that was easily stopped by Gil. Six ​minutes later, Bos delivered a booming left-footer from the right side that was just wide of the far post.

Mauricio had a chance for Paraguay in the ​third minute of second-half stoppage but his tame left-footed attempt was easily grabbed ​by Beach. Paraguay's other shot on goal came in the ​50th minute when Mauricio, who entered at halftime, took a long right-footed shot that was stopped by Beach. sAustralia placed ​three shots on goal in the scoreless first half.

Bos took a long left-footed shot from beyond the box in the 36th minute that was stopped by Gil.

The Socceroos turned up the heat in first-half stoppage time. Cristian Volpato's left-footed blast was ⁠stopped by Gil in the second minute andJackson Irvine sent a header high over the ⁠net in the ​third of stoppage time.

Irvine earlier had a shot on goal in the fourth minute of the match and Gil deflected it over the crossbar.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)