In a Dismal World Cup for Türkiye, Kenan Yıldız Could Still Trouble the USMNT | OneFootball

One of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Türkiye still possesses the talent to pose a serious threat to the USMNT, who’s flying high and chasing a historic third straight World Cup win. 

Türkiye was one of the last teams invited to the dance and the first to be shown the exit. For Bizim Çocuklar, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a tournament to forget. One of a small group of teams yet to score a single goal, Türkiye have already suffered back-to-back defeats against Australia and Paraguay in a deeply disappointing campaign.

Much was expected of the team, who arrived boasting players from clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Roma, Inter Milan, and Juventus. Many had even tipped them as a potential dark horse, especially after encouraging qualifying results, including a 2-2 draw with Spain in late 2025 and a four-match winning streak heading into the tournament.

However, none of that has materialized. Despite dominating possession and chances against Paraguay, outshooting them 33-6, an early goal from Matías Galarza proved decisive and effectively ended both the match and Türkiye’s tournament hopes. In the opening game against Australia, the team also struggled to break down a low block, and despite registering more than 20 shots, goals have been impossible to come by.

Now eliminated and playing for pride, Türkiye will face a red-hot United States men’s national team side that’s in excellent form following an impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay and a controlled 2-0 victory over Australia. Mauricio Pochettino’s team is already navigating new territory, with the USMNT never before entering the final group game of a World Cup in such a comfortable position and now eyeing a first-ever perfect group stage.

Standing in the Americans’ way is a wounded Türkiye side, who will be hoping Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız can inspire a respectable finish to what has been a frustrating tournament.

Player Profile

Yıldız plays with confidence far beyond his years, and one of his greatest strengths is his dribbling ability. He thrives in tight spaces and loves running directly at defenders with quick feet, sharp changes of direction, and explosive acceleration. Rather than hugging the touchline, he frequently attacks central channels, making him extremely difficult to contain.

His versatility is another major weapon. Yıldız can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder, second striker, or even in a free attacking role behind the forward line. That positional flexibility allows him to drift into dangerous pockets of space and constantly disrupt defensive structures.

Technically, he is polished and composed. His first touch is smooth, his passing combinations are quick, and he consistently looks to move the ball forward instead of settling for the safe option. It is that willingness to take risks that makes him such an entertaining player to watch.

Rising Career

Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images

Yıldız’s rise at Juventus has been rapid. The 21-year-old has already surpassed 130 appearances for the Italian giants, and he has registered 27 goals and 21 assists while continuing to establish himself as one of the club’s key attacking pieces.

Before arriving in Turin, Yıldız developed through Bayern Munich’s youth academy, giving him experience inside two of Europe’s biggest football institutions before even turning professional. The combination of elite-level development, technical ability, and calm temperament has positioned him as one of the most promising young attackers in world football.

Some of his biggest moments have already come on massive stages.

In September 2024, Yıldız scored for Juventus against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League with a stunning curling effort. The goal carried historic significance, becoming the first scored in the competition’s new league-phase format. It also saw him become the youngest player in Juventus history to score in the Champions League, surpassing club legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Just over a month later, he delivered another unforgettable performance in the Derby d’Italia against Inter Milan. Entering the match with Juventus trailing 4–2, Yıldız completely changed the momentum by scoring twice in a dramatic comeback that ended 4–4, earning MVP honors in the process.

Yıldız was Juventus’ top scorer in 2025-26, showcasing his long term future as a star for the club.

At the World Cup

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Yıldız’s World Cup debut has not reached the standard he would have hoped for, despite providing a much-needed offensive spark for Türkiye after coming on in the second half of the opening match against Australia.

Yıldız has been effective in progressing the ball forward, but like all of his teammates, he has yet to get on the scoresheet. Against Paraguay, Yıldız started and created multiple opportunities, finishing as one of Türkiye’s highest-rated players after playing the full 90 minutes.

He will now look to end his World Cup campaign with at least one highlight-reel moment, and what better stage than against the host nation, who is already beginning to talk up a deep run in the tournament.

For Yıldız and Türkiye, the World Cup is effectively over, but they still have one final test: to salvage a bit of pride or become the latest stop on the USMNT World Cup express.