The new tiebreaker system introduced for the 2026 World Cup has created scenarios in which some teams have nothing left to play for. That is the case in Group D, where the USMNT have already reached the next round while Turkey have been eliminated.
It is a great chance for the USMNT to continue building on a strong tournament so far, with two victories that secured first place in the group. In contrast, Turkey have been eliminated after two defeats.
The USMNT are top of the group with 6 points, with their spot already secured because they won the head-to-head match against the teams that could tie them. Australia are second with 3 points and an even goal difference, while Paraguay are level on 3 points with a -2 goal difference.
USMNT vs Turkey lineups
For this match, Mauricio Pochettino could use this lineup: Matt Freese; Mitchell Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty; Timothy Weah, Sebastian Berhalter, Giovanni Reyna, Kevin Arfsten; Brenden Aaronson, Alejandro Zendejas; Ricardo Pepi.
Pochettino can rotate the team (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
For Turkey, Vincenzo Montella may opt for this lineup: Uğurcan Çakır; Zeki Çelik, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ozan Kabak, Ferdi Kadıoğlu; İsmail Yüksek, Orkun Kökçü; Barış Alper Yılmaz, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız; Can Uzun.
see also
How the USMNT’s win, draw, or loss vs Turkey could impact the 2026 World Cup Group D standings
USMNT’s next match
With first place in the group already secured, the USMNT know they will play on July 1 in San Francisco against a third-placed team. While the opponent has not been confirmed yet, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be the rival unless a number of outcomes occur in the final matches.
