Momentum the Message for USMNT Entering Group Stage Finale Against Türkiye | OneFootball

IRVINE, Calif. – Two wins in two matches means the U.S. Men’s National Team has claimed the top spot in Group D with one game to spare, and instead of resting on its laurels and coasting toward the knockout round, the U.S. is seeking to make history and go three-for-three on Thursday, June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Defeating Australia 2-0 last week in Seattle, the second win in two group stage matches for the U.S., put the USMNT in a strong position heading into its group stage finale against Türkiye. Paraguay’s win over Türkiye officially eliminated the UEFA side from FIFA World Cup competition with the June 25 fixture yet to play.

Still, even with the knowledge that the Round of 32 awaits them on the other side of Thursday’s match, U.S. players are approaching the finale against Türkiye the same way they approached the previous two FIFA World Cup matchdays.

“Everyone's happy that we've already advanced, but at the same time, regardless of if we've advanced or not, training is still very competitive and intense,” defender Max Arfsten said. “That’s the culture that the coaches created. No matter what, everyone's still trying to prove something.”

With a spot in the knockout round already secured, the U.S. Men’s National Team is using this third group stage match, it’s second at Los Angeles Stadium, as an opportunity. “Momentum” was the word buzzing this week throughout USMNT training camp at Orange County Great Park, showing that the U.S. is not viewing its next match as a pit stop but rather a key leg of an all-important race.

“You don’t want to go into a knockout round with a bad feeling of how the last game went,” Arfsten explained. “Although we have advanced, I don’t think it changes anything in terms of preparation or mentality. So, I think it’s very important to try and continue to ride the wave of a good performance.”

“Even though it has no effect, it still does because it gives you that confidence [for] what’s coming next,” midfielder Alex Zendejas said. “Just because we’re through doesn’t mean we have to let our foot off the pedal. We have to keep on going with that same confidence, same rhythm and keep showing each other and the world what this team is made of.”

“I’m personally more focused on preparing myself to be able to compete and win our third group stage game, which is important to continue the momentum,” goalkeeper Matt Freese said.

U.S. players are also motivated for another go at the opponent. Last time the U.S. faced Türkiye, the Crescent-Stars came out on top in a 2-1 win on June 7, 2025 in East Hartford, Conn. The visitors showed their quality riding an eight-match unbeaten run heading into FIFA World Cup 2026, and although Türkiye is scoreless so far in the tournament, the team has created plenty of chances on goal, recording a total 62 shots so far in two matches.

“Regardless of whether or not they’re eliminated, it’s a strong group and a competitive group,” Freese said. “I played them in my debut, so I’m familiar with them. We’re focused on ourselves. All 26 guys are focused on being ready to compete and being ready to continue the momentum that we’ve built.”

Freese has played every minute of the FIFA World Cup in goal so far for the U.S., including the clean sheet against Australia, the eighth shutout for the U.S. in FIFA World Cup history. His fellow goalkeepers Matt Turner and Chris Brady would make their FIFA World Cup 2026 debuts if either plays in the match against Türkiye along with six field players – defenders Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, midfielders Cristian Roldan, Alex Zendejas and forward Brenden Aaronson.

Four starters in both group stage wins enter the match against Türkiye on a single yellow card: center back Chris Richards, fullback Antonee Robinson, midfielder Tyler Adams and the team’s leading goal scorer in the tournament, Folarin Balogun.

Per FIFA, single yellow cards will be cancelled after the group stage and quarterfinals. A player who receives two yellow cards will serve a one-match suspension.

With that in mind, the U.S. could see some rotation against Türkiye. And if they do, players will not only be ready – they'll have more than enough to play for as they aim to continue the momentum and energy from the USMNT’s historic and inspiring start at FIFA World Cup 2026.

“We’re all aware that it's not going to be an easy game,” Arfsten said. “They have quality players. We're not taking anybody lightly, regardless of the circumstances. We’re looking forward to it.”