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Perfect USMNT Run in World Cup Ends in Meaningless Bout

The USMNT lost to Turkiye, but what was really important ahead of a game that mattered for literally nothing was finding out which subs could be relied on for big minutes.

Sports • June 26, 2026
Written by ZACH ROBERTS
Photography KIRBY LEE-IMAGN IMAGES


The USMNT continued World Cup play without a loss heading into last night’s group stage finale against Turkiye. That run ended. The Americans were utterly stunned by a stoppage-time winner in the 98th minute after a rousing bout. It was the first time they’d lost a match, and earlier in the first half, they trailed for the first time all World Cup.

In most circumstances, a crushing loss to close group play would be important. Some people are acting like it is, even though the USMNT had already locked in a Group D victory and started with 10 substitutes in the starting XI in a meaningless game for both sides.

USMNT loses, but does it really matter?

The USMNT lost to Turkiye, but what was really important ahead of a game that mattered for literally nothing (the group and the matchup next round were already confirmed) was finding out which subs could be relied on for big minutes.

In that sense, it appears that Mauricio Pochettino found two players who might have earned more playing time, and they both scored. Auston Trusty knocked home his first international goal in the third minute. He smashed a corner past the goalkeeper from a difficult angle.

In the 49th minute, Sebastian Berhalter rocketed home a shot from outside the box as part of a pretty excellent day for the midfielder. He also provided the assist on the corner to Trusty in the first half. Berhalter had plenty of good plays all night.

Additionally, it was vital to see what kind of shape Christian Pulisic was in. He was healthy but didn’t start after playing 45 minutes in the two contests beforehand. He looked incredible and healthy, and he had multiple shots that nearly netted goals.

Mauricio Pochettino confused by questions after loss

Reporters seemed to think that this game mattered for the USMNT or that the loss was somehow going to play a role in an early exit later on. Yet, in total, only five starters even appeared for the United States. This was all about the backups, who almost led the US to at least a draw in their closing, meaningless match.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was upset that no one congratulated the USMNT for winning the group and everyone was more concerned about losing momentum. “The mood is like we (are going) home tonight and Turkiye is staying,” the U.S. coach said. “I need to (remind) you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry guys, we won.”

Pochettino was pressed on missing the chance to become the first US manager to win all three group stage games. He dismissed that. “Making history is winning the World Cup,” Pochettino said. “It’s not winning three matches only within the World Cup. I don’t really understand. It’s a little bit petty if you will — you’re thinking a little too small. You’re telling me you could make history — what does it mean to win three matches if you lose the next one?”

This match was all about the long run. It was about ensuring Christian Pulisic was healthy and avoiding adding yellow cards for players like Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun. Another yellow would’ve meant a suspension in the knockout rounds. They achieved those goals and nearly won, but it doesn’t matter either way.

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Zach Roberts
By Zach Roberts
Zachary Roberts has written in the sports industry for over four years. He's covered the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Seattle Seahawks, and wider coverage of the NFL, pro golf, NHL, MLB, and NBA. He has worked with ComicBook, Sportskeeda, The Sporting News, and the On SI Network. In his free time, Zachary loves playing video games, watching movies, or reading books.

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