The US comes into their final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup having accomplished a feat it never has in the modern era of the program. It should be noted that, but for the sporting trauma that the nation’s soccer fans endured when it failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the US has been to every World Cup tournament since 1990. In those 8 tournaments they previously qualified for, they managed to make it out of their group 5 times, even scrapping to a bitterly disappointing quarterfinal loss against Germany in 2002. In all that time, the US had never managed to win two consecutive World Cup games.

That changed last Friday, after the USMNT bested Australia, having already torched Paraguay in the opener. Those back to back wins were enough to mathematically ensure the US would secure first place in the group, as well as a favorably seeded spot in the round of 32 bracket against an as yet unknown opponent. Before all eyes turn to the possible permutations and eventual reality of who their first knockout round opponent will be, there’s still the matter of Türkiye.

Though the outcome is likely mechanically inconsequential, the fixture still presents a balancing act for coach Mauricio Pochettino. Four lynchpins of the starting lineup are sitting on yellows and in danger of suspension should they play and earn another card in this match. Though rest and rotation are worth considering, Poch will be mindful of the need to maintain momentum, both on the field and in the raucous home stands.

Another variable is the Turkish team, specifically how they approach this match and what sort of performance they can deliver. Widely considered talented dark horses and a likely threat to traditional powerhouses, Türkiye have failed to ignite in the slightest. The Turks have already been eliminated from advancement to the knockout phase with anemic losses to both Australia and Paraguay (opponents the US has convincingly dispatched), while failing to score a single goal. Though it seems likely that they will approach this match as a must-win contest and reputational salve, it’s worth asking the question: What, if anything, was stopping them before?

Pochettino has already suggested that all suspension-threatened stars will sit. That includes the team’s standout CB leader, Chris Richards; their incredibly effective midfield enforcer and turnover catalyst, Tyler Adams; the EPL left sided defensive stalwart, Antonee Robinson; and the player that has already made US history with his opening match brace, and whose transfer stock has skyrocketed, the lethal striker known as Folarin Balogun. Pochettino also communicated that star Christian Pulisic’s participation is likely to be reserved for the round of 32. In the past, rotating such talents in a group stage would be unthinkable. Today, however, there are options.

Richards’ presumed heir apparent is Mark McKenzie. The CB’s inclusion seems straightforward, as he showed well centrally with Freeman and Ream in his tune-up game appearances, allowing Richards to work his way back from ankle ligament issues. Sebastian Berhalter seems destined to step in for Adams to partner the (remarkably) yellow card free Weston McKennie in midfield. The identities of Robinson and Pulisic’s replacements are harder to predict. Max Arfsten is the most specialized left wingback in the squad, but Dest might also swap flanks and allow for Joe Scally or Tim Weah to enter the starting lineup. Gio Reyna may be tapped for his first ever World Cup start, while Brenden Aaronson and suprise inclusion, Alex Zendejas would relish the opportunity. Poch could reconfigure the lineup entirely.

What does seem certain is that US fans at the Inglewood, California venue will want their chance to see their national team deliver another assured and dominant performance before they enter the knockout phase of the tournament. Can the USMNT make it three wins on the trot?

Türkiye awaits.

How to Watch

USMNT vs. Türkiye

Advertised Kick-off Time: 10:00pm Eastern, 7:00pm Pacific

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports (English), Fox One (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)