Arda Güler inspires Türkiye to dramatic late win against United States

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·26. Juni 2026

Arda Güler inspires Türkiye to dramatic late win against United States

Türkiye claimed a dramatic 3–2 victory over United States at SoFi Stadium thanks to Kaan Ayhan's goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time. After failing to score in their opening two World Cup defeats, Türkiye found the net three times in their farewell match, with Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz both contributing goals as the already-eliminated side fought back from an early deficit.

United States, who had already secured first place in Group D, took the lead through Auston Trusty at 3' before Türkiye responded with goals from Güler at 10' and Yılmaz at 31' to lead at half-time. Sebastian Berhalter's equaliser at 49' made it 2–2, and despite creating several clear chances in the second half, the hosts were undone when Ayhan converted from close range after Alex Freeman's goal-line clearance fell kindly. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Türkiye v United States.

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Winners

Arda Güler (Türkiye)

Güler delivered the performance of the match, ending Türkiye's tournament goal drought with a composed left-footed finish at 10' after receiving Barış Alper Yılmaz's pass inside the box. His equaliser transformed the game's dynamic and lifted his teammates after the early setback of conceding inside three minutes.

The 21-year-old's dribbling ability caused constant problems throughout, completing multiple nutmegs including one on Christian Pulisic during the buildup to the winning goal. His left-footed passing repeatedly unlocked the United States defence, and his movement between the lines created space for teammates in dangerous areas.

Güler's influence extended beyond his goal as he orchestrated the final attacking move that led to Ayhan's winner at 90+8'. His creative excellence ensured Türkiye departed their World Cup campaign with a victory after two frustrating defeats, providing a foundation for their young squad to build on.

Barış Alper Yılmaz (Türkiye)

Yılmaz produced two decisive attacking contributions that directly shaped the scoreline. His pass inside the box at 10' set up Güler's equaliser, and he then scored himself at 31' with a right-footed finish from inside the area following Orkun Kökçü's delivery from a worked set-piece routine.

The forward's goal gave Türkiye the lead for the first time in the tournament, marking a significant psychological shift after their scoreless opening matches. His movement and ability to hold the ball under pressure created opportunities throughout, stretching the United States defence and forcing defenders into uncomfortable positions.

Yılmaz's goal-and-assist combination was central to Türkiye's comeback victory. Without his contributions, Türkiye would have trailed throughout the match, and his attacking output ensured his team could compete for the win that their young squad desperately needed before elimination.

Loser

Brenden Aaronson (United States)

Aaronson's evening was defined by a glaring miss at 63' that proved costly. After Uğurcan Çakır saved Christian Pulisic's initial effort, the ball fell to Aaronson unmarked at the penalty spot with an open goal, but he fired wide. The opportunity was United States' clearest chance to retake the lead.

Earlier in the match, Aaronson had shown intent without producing end product. His left-footed shot at 14' was blocked, and his right-footed follow-up was saved comfortably by the goalkeeper. Despite creating shooting positions, he could not convert the chances that fell to him throughout his 77 minutes on the pitch.

The missed big chance at 63' altered the match's trajectory. Had Aaronson converted, United States would have led 3–2 with nearly 30 minutes remaining and momentum firmly in their favour. Instead, Türkiye survived and punished American wastefulness with Ayhan's stoppage-time winner, leaving Aaronson's miss as the defining moment of United States' defeat.