Turkey searches for their first goal, USA chase a record: prediction for Turkey vs USA - 26.06.2026
The national teams of Turkey and the USA will face off on June 26, 2026, in the third round of the World Cup group stage. The match will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Americans have already secured first place in Group D, while Turkey, after two defeats, has lost all hope for the playoffs and will aim to finish the tournament with at least a memorable performance.
Turkey: plenty of shots, zero goals, and the title of biggest disappointment
Turkey arrived at the World Cup with high expectations, but after just two games, their chances of reaching the round of 16 have vanished. Vincenzo Montella’s squad lost 0-2 to Australia despite firing 30 shots and holding 72% possession, then fell 0-1 to Paraguay with 32 shots, 78% possession, and playing an entire half with a man advantage.
Turkey’s main issue has been a disastrous conversion rate. In two matches, they’ve fired 62 shots, hit the target 13 times, but haven’t found the net. Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu have all tried to take charge, but without a true goal-scoring striker, the stats remain empty. In the third round, Turkey will play without tournament pressure, but Yunus Akgün will miss out due to health issues.
USA: the hosts have already made history
The USA are enjoying one of their most confident group stages in history. Mauricio Pochettino’s team has won back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time since 1930: first, they dismantled Paraguay 4-1 in style, then took care of Australia 2-0 with calm authority.
The tournament hosts have clinched the top spot in the group, but it’s unlikely Pochettino will completely rotate his squad. Christian Pulisic is injured and will not play, but the other leaders are likely to keep their match sharpness ahead of the playoffs. The USA have been especially dominant in first halves: five of their six goals at the tournament have come before the break, after which they’ve managed the game and protected their advantage.
Probable lineups
- Turkey: Çakır, Kadioglu, Bardakcı, Demiral, Müldür, Çalhanoğlu, Özkan, Yıldız, Uzun, Güler, Gül.
- USA: Freese, Freeman, Richards, Ream, Dest, McKennie, Adams, Tillman, Robinson, Pepi, Balogun.
Match facts and head-to-head history
- Both teams have scored in all five previous meetings between Turkey and the USA.
- Over 2.5 goals has been scored in four of the five head-to-head encounters.
- The USA have scored six goals in the tournament, five of them in the first halves of their matches.
Turkey might finally end their dry spell: prediction for Turkey vs USA
In terms of play, Turkey haven’t looked hopeless, but their main footballing flaw - lack of goals - has let them down. They dominate possession, constantly test the goalkeeper, and create pressure, but the finishing simply hasn’t been there. With no tournament pressure in this match, the Turks might play with more freedom and finally turn quantity into quality.
The USA approach this game in an entirely different mood. Their job is done, they control matches with confidence, and they know how to punish opponents quickly in the opening 45 minutes. Even without Pulisic, the Americans have plenty of pace and options up front, and Folarin Balogun has already proven his credentials as a clinical striker. Turkey are capable of scoring, but the hosts’ stability and efficiency look more convincing.
