Ayhan's stoppage-time winner caps Turkiye thriller against USA

Turkiye signed off their World Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the USA at the SoFi Stadium, Kaan Ayhan firing home in the 98th minute to settle a remarkable five-goal thriller. The hosts had already wrapped up top spot in Group D and rotated their side heavily, but Turkiye — eliminated regardless of the result — were determined to finish on a high and played with the freedom of a team with nothing to lose. Ayhan's late strike, squeezed through goalkeeper Matt Turner's legs, was the latest match-winner the United States have ever conceded at a World Cup, a cruel ending to a night that had swung back and forth repeatedly.

Match summary: Guler shines, US reply, Ayhan wins it late

The 21-year-old Arda Guler announced himself by opening the scoring to become the youngest Turkiye player ever to net at a World Cup, before a second Turkiye goal put the eliminated side firmly in control. The USA hit back through Sebastian Berhalter and Auston Trusty — taking the number of different American scorers at this tournament to a record five — to drag themselves level and threaten an unlikely comeback. With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Ayhan struck deep into added time, his shot slipping through Turner's legs to break American hearts at the death and spark wild Turkiye celebrations.

Records and ratings: US milestones, defensive frailties

Even in defeat the USA reached a tournament tally of eight goals, the most they have ever scored at a World Cup, surpassing their previous bests from 1930 and 2002 — a reflection of the attacking depth on show even in a much-changed side. Christian Pulisic was reintroduced from the bench as he carefully manages his recovery from a calf problem, a welcome sight before the knockouts. But the defending drew heavy criticism: Turner endured a difficult evening, rated as low as 3 out of 10 in some assessments, as a makeshift backline repeatedly creaked under Turkiye's adventurous, front-foot play.

Group D done: USA top despite defeat, Turkiye exit on a high

The result did not alter the qualification picture: the USA had already clinched first place in Group D and finished top on six points with a goal difference of plus four. Australia took second on four points and Paraguay third on the same total, while Turkiye ended bottom on three points and bow out — albeit with a morale-boosting win to take home. The USA now face Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, a tie in which the coaching staff will demand a far tighter, more organised defensive display than the chaotic one served up at SoFi.