The USMNT fell 3-2 to Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in their final Group D match. Turkey’s Kaan Ayhan delivered the knockout blow in the 98th minute, completing a late comeback. But the US had already secured enough points from earlier wins to finish first in Group D, and they’re heading into the knockout round regardless.
Next up: Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
What actually happened out there
Coach Mauricio Pochettino made a clear choice going into this match: rest the players who matter most for what comes next.
Christian Pulisic was among the key players held out of the starting lineup. Pochettino rotated heavily, sending a message that the Turkey result was secondary to arriving at the knockout stage with a healthy squad.
