The USA’s 3-2 defeat to Türkiye offered fantasy managers two different signals: Christian Pulisic looked close to full sharpness in a 30-minute return, while the team’s heavily changed defence struggled to contain an opponent already eliminated from the tournament. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had secured first place in Group D before kick-off, but the loss leaves questions about their readiness for the knockout rounds.
Rotation changes the picture
With the group standings settled, Pochettino made wholesale changes. Ricardo Pepi ($5.9m) and Weston McKennie ($6.1m) were the only players retained from the Round 2 starting XI, and the USA switched to a 4-3-3 for the first time at this World Cup.
The coach had signalled that he would use the match to manage minutes and recovery. Before kick-off, he said the USA had earned the chance to make different selection decisions after securing qualification and top spot. He added that the team wanted to arrive at the next stage in better condition.
Tyler Adams ($5.3m), Antonee Robinson ($5.0m), Chris Richards ($4.1m) and Folarin Balogun ($6.0m) were among those rested. All four had been carrying yellow cards; sitting out meant they avoided suspension risk ahead of the Round of 32, when the disciplinary slate was wiped clean.
Several regulars entered as substitutes, including Sergiño Dest ($4.3m), Alexander Freeman ($4.0m), Malik Tillman ($6.1m) and Pulisic ($7.0m).
Pulisic shows encouraging signs
Pulisic had been managing a minor issue and missed the previous match against Australia. His cameo against Türkiye was brief, but he looked lively from the moment he came on. He cut inside from the left and missed a good chance, hit the post after a deflection, then curled another attempt just wide.
Pochettino said the aim was to give Pulisic 30 to 40 minutes to regain his match feel and prepare for the next game. The coach was pleased with his impact and said he finished the appearance well. That’s a positive sign for fantasy managers weighing up the USA captain, though his fitness and starting role still merit attention before the knockout tie.
Berhalter makes his case
Sebastian Berhalter ($4.7m) was the USA’s leading fantasy scorer, finishing with 13 points. He supplied the corner for the opening goal, which John Tolkin ($4.2m), standing in at left-back, volleyed in at the far post. Berhalter then scored from the edge of the area after a rebound fell his way.
His performance gives Pochettino another option to consider for the Round of 32. Alex Trusty also scored, while Gio Reyna Berhalter’s goal involvement helped make him the standout contributor in a match where the second-string USA attack created chances but couldn’t turn the game into a win.
Türkiye win, but exit the tournament
Arda Güler ($7.0m) and Barış Alper Yılmaz ($6.1m) played key roles for Türkiye, who snatched victory with a 98th-minute goal. The late winner secured three points, but Türkiye still finished bottom of Group D and were eliminated.
The USA’s defensive numbers were less comfortable. Türkiye generated 3.01 expected goals, created five big chances and recorded nine attempts on target. A rotated lineup helps explain the disjointed display, but the figures leave a clear question for the first-choice defence to answer in the next round.
Pochettino described the result as part of the team’s preparation, arguing that players had gained minutes and that the USA were better placed for the next stage. The Americans now face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The fixture may appeal to fantasy managers considering USA players at both ends of the pitch, but the performance against Türkiye is a reminder that first place in the group won’t make the knockout tie straightforward.
Match details
- Score: Türkiye 3-2 USA
- Goals: Trusty, Berhalter; Güler, Yılmaz, Ayhan
- Assists: Berhalter; Yılmaz, Kokcu
- Tackle bonus: Aaronson; Yildiz
- Chances created bonus: Berhalter
- Top fantasy scorers: Berhalter (13), Trusty (9)