Before the World Cup kicked off, many thought this game would be the most important for both sides and could determine which nation finishes top of Group D.

However, this prediction proved very wrong, as we go into the final game of the group with Türkiye already eliminated and the Stars and Stripes looking to pick up a win that would cap off a perfect group-stage performance.

The Crescent Stars' return to the World Cup couldn't have gone worse, as the Turks have failed to score a goal or pick up a single point in their opening two defeats at the hands of Australia and Paraguay. This has resulted in Turkiye being eliminated from this year's tournament, in a group that many (including myself) saw them as favourites in.

For the USMNT, their home World Cup couldn't have got off to a better start, having already secured qualification, and hunting a flawless group record going into their final fixture. After two dominant victories, many football fans now believe the USA could become a surprise package in this year's tournament, and a deep run into the competition would not be a shock.

Despite there being nothing on the line for the Turks, they will still want to give their fans something to cheer about after a torrid campaign, whilst the hosts will want to send a warning to whatever nation they face in the knockouts, setting up an interesting spectacle. 

It will be the first time the two sides have ever locked horns in a World Cup, and only the second time they have played each other competitively. USA and Türkiye have met each other a total of five times, with nothing splitting the two nations who have both picked up 2 wins, and one draw.

Their most recent match-up happened in June 2025, with goals from Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu securing a 2-1 win for the Turks. This scoreline has repeated itself four times in a row, and the trend may be continued in the upcoming fixture.

It is the first time for both nations they will play a side that will not adopt a low-block, something that Turkiye could not deal with, whereas the States managed to overwhelm their opponents backline on both occasions.

Turkiye go into their final group stage game with a clean bill of health, but changes to the starting lineup are possible. Vincenzo Montella may look to give some of his younger players a run out, as his side chases a positive finish to a disappointing campaign.

The Stars and Stripes have a few minor injuries, with Christian Pulisic still recovering from his calf injury and midfielder Cristian Roldan dealing with a muscle strain, which prevented him from attending training in the build-up to the game.

Mauricio Pochettino may see the match against Turkiye as a chance to rest some of his team's key players ahead of the knockout rounds. Players like, Christian Pulisic, who didn't feature in the last game, will likely get limited minutes as the Argentinian will want to ensure he has his best players fit for the games that matter.

USMNT winger Alex Zendejas gave an update on Pulisic's' injury after a training session on Monday, "It’s a tough situation when you’re going through a small, little knock,

"It’s an important tournament where obviously everyone wants to be able to get out there 100%, but [we don’t] talk about the injury or talk about the moment [Pulisic] is going through. [We] talk about other stuff, try to get his mind off of it. Just be there for him."

Four of the US's key players are also one yellow card away from suspension: Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson. This may also play a factor on who Pochettino decides to start with going into the Türkiye game, as another boking will rule them out of the USA's first knockout match.

Turkiye fell short in their opening two games, as it seemed they tried too hard when in front of goal, trying to practically run the ball into the back of the net. Their elimination from the tournament relieves some pressure, and may bring out a side that plays with more freedom, which could cause the hosts some trouble.

On the other hand, the Stars and Stripes will be full of confidence after their opening victories and guaranteed top-spot finish, and I don't envisage Pochettino will alter his attacking style for this game.

It is a match where neither team will want to sit back, and could provide 90 minutes of out-and-out attack, and if the Turks can finally find they're shooting boots, it may be a high-scoring affair. However, after the USA's first two performances, it seems unlikely that Turkiye will get the better of them.

Final Score: Turkiye 1 - 3 USA