The United States men's national team, already assured of a place in the knockout rounds as group winners, return to Los Angeles on Thursday to face Turkey in their final Group D match at the 2026 World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino may rest key players and ease Christian Pulisic back into action after injury, using the dead rubber to foster competition within the squad before the matches that truly matter.
USA vs Turkey: Kick-off and Viewing Details
The match kicks off at 10pm ET at Los Angeles Stadium. In the United States, it will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN, while UK fans can tune in on ITV1. Australian coverage is on SBS.
Few teams have progressed through their opening two matches more comfortably than the USA. On paper, Thursday's encounter with Turkey looked to be their biggest test when Group D was drawn. However, with Turkey already eliminated, the match's intensity is uncertain. Turkey's early exit is a shock, given they rank 11th out of 48 sides for expected goals (xG) and 10th for big chances created. They could take out their frustration on the co-hosts before heading home.
Player to watch: Ricardo Pepi of the USA. Pochettino could rotate his lineup for this dead rubber, giving the PSV forward an opportunity to make his mark and prove why he should be ahead of Folarin Balogun in the pecking order.
Other Key Group Stage Matches on Thursday
Ecuador face Germany in a must-win encounter at 4pm ET at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ecuador have yet to score in the tournament and need a win to keep realistic hopes of advancing. Germany, after a comeback win over Côte d'Ivoire, have two wins from two and look to secure top spot. Player to watch: Felix Nmecha of Germany, who has a goal and an assist in two games.
Japan take on Sweden at 7pm ET at Dallas Stadium. Japan have been quietly impressive, sweeping aside Tunisia after controlling large periods against the Netherlands. Sweden need to bounce back from a 5-1 humbling by the Netherlands. Player to watch: Alexander Isak of Sweden, who has looked like his old self.
Tunisia face the Netherlands at 7pm ET at Kansas City Stadium. Tunisia are already out after defeats to Sweden and Japan, while the Netherlands look to build on a five-goal performance. Player to watch: Brian Brobbey of the Netherlands, who scored twice against Sweden.
Paraguay meet Australia at 10pm ET at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Paraguay need a draw to all but secure their place in the last 32, while Australia have outperformed expectations. Player to watch: Nestory Irankunda of Australia, who was a threat in their opening win over Turkey.
Curaçao play Côte d'Ivoire at 4pm ET at Philadelphia Stadium. Curaçao's historic draw with Ecuador kept their slim hopes alive, while Côte d'Ivoire have shown attacking talent. Player to watch: Yan Diomande of Côte d'Ivoire, one of the most electrifying players in the tournament.
