The United States are already through to the knockout stages of World Cup as group winners, but the co-hosts will look to build on their gathering momentum as they face already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have been one of the standout sides of the World Cup so far and were dominant against Australia as the USMNT secured back-to-back wins to start the tournament for the first time since 1930. But it leads to a dilemma for Pochettino and his players for the dead-rubber against Turkey: does the USA coach stick with the same winning team and try to continue their winning rhythm, or will he rest his key stars ahead of the knockouts? The USA, meanwhile, could be boosted by the return of star forward Christian Pulisic, who was a livewire in their impressive opening win over Paraguay but missed the victory against Australia due to a calf injury. Follow all the latest updates from USA v Turkey, belowIt's clear where the USMNT's priorities lie Such has been the USA’s dominance in Group D and the questionable tie-break switch from goal-difference to head-to-head top spot is already wrapped up. Contrastingly, Thursday’s opponents at the Los Angeles Stadium, perennial underachievers Turkey, are guaranteed to finish bottom even if they thrash the US later tonight. It makes the contest a largely unsatisfying dead rubber, even in an expanded tournament where third-place could be enough for a knockout berth.But for Mauricio Pochettino, it’s less a dead rubber and more a free hit. While there will be temptation to maintain the status quo and a perfect group-stage record, the US boss is set to rotate his starting XI. They already know their last-32 match-up will be in Santa Clara next Wednesday against a high-ranked third-place team (which would currently be Bosnia and Herzegovina). Rest and rotation are clearly the priority.Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles25 June 2026 17:22Will Christian Pulisic return for USMNT after calf injury? The major question revolves around USA star Christian Pulisic, who was substituted at half-time in their opening win over Paraguay before missing the victory against Australia altogether.“It was impossible for him today to play,” Mauricio Pochettino said, referring to the forward’s hamstring injury. “We hope that next game he will be available, but if we want to win the competition, we need the whole team. All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team.”Christian Pulisic is set to return to action for the USMNT against Turkey in LA (Getty)Jamie Braidwood25 June 2026 17:02What can USA gain from Turkey dead rubber? This speech tells us everythingThe United States are guaranteed Group D winners while Turkey will definitely finish bottom – yet there is still plenty Mauricio Pochettino can learn, not least about the fitness of key man Christian Pulisic ahead of the knockout stage, writes Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles. Jamie Braidwood25 June 2026 17:01Hello and welcome It’s been a dream start to the World Cup for the United States. With excitement around the USMNT growing, can they continue their momentum against Turkey in Los Angeles to bolster their emerging status as tournament contenders? The USA, on paper, have nothing to play for. After wins over Paraguay and Turkey, they are safely through to the knockout stages as winners of Group D. Turkey, too, have no skin in the game. They are already out after two defeats. But the USA will want to fuel the belief that this could be a special summer, as Mauricio Pochettino’s team returns to the So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of their impressive opening victory over Paraguay. Kick off is at 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET, which works out to 3am BST. (Getty)Jamie Braidwood25 June 2026 17:00