The United States and Australia are the two teams from Group 4 who have secured their places in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, while Paraguay must wait to learn whether they will also advance to the next stage of the tournament. The World Cup co-hosts, despite suffering a 3–2 defeat to Turkey in the final group match, finished top of the group and will face Bosnia in the knockout stage, while Paraguay and Australia played out a 0–0 draw.
Turkey – USA 3–2
The United States started strongly and took the lead as early as the 3rd minute through Trusty, who found himself unmarked at the back post following a corner from the left. He controlled the ball and made it 1–0 with a composed finish.
Turkey responded immediately. In the 10th minute, Güler leveled the score with a clinical finish after an excellent assist from Yılmaz. The turnaround was completed in the 49th minute when a fluid team move inside the box ended with Kökçü receiving the ball near the penalty spot following a cutback from Elmali, slotting it into the net to make it 2–1.
The second half began much like the first for the Americans, with Berhalter scoring in the 49th minute with a well-taken volley to bring the match level at 2–2.
Just when the match seemed destined for a draw, Ayhan struck in the 90+8th minute with a last-gasp “buzzer-beater” from close range, securing a dramatic 3–2 win for Turkey—although the result had no impact on their mathematical fate in the tournament.
Lineups
Turkey (Montella): Çakır, Çelik, Kabak, Bardakcı, Elma, Özcan, Kökçü, Yıldız, Güler, Aydın, Yılmaz
USA (Pochettino): Turner, Scally, Trusty, Robinson, McKenzie, Berhalter, McKennie, Weah, Reyna, Aaronson, Pepi
Stadium: SoFi Stadium (70,242 spectators)
Referee: Ghorbal (Algeria)
Paraguay – Australia 0–0
In a first half lacking major highlights, Australia had the better of the limited chances but failed to seriously test goalkeeper Chhil. The tempo dropped even further after the break, with both sides seemingly satisfied with a draw.
The final 0–0 result ensured Australia’s progression to the next round, while Paraguay’s hopes of qualification remain alive as they await other results.
Lineups
Paraguay (Alfaro): Chhil, Cáceres, Velázquez, Gómez, Alderete, Maidana, Gómez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso, Ávalos
Australia (Popovic): Beech, Circati, Souttar, Herington, Behich, O’Neill, Irvine, Bos, Metcalfe, Volpato, Irankunda
Stadium: Levi’s Stadium (68,500 spectators)
Referee: Turpin (France)
Group 4 Results
26/06 Turkey – USA 3–2 (Trusty 3’, Güler 10’, Kökçü 31’, Berhalter 49’, Ayhan 90+8’)
26/06 Paraguay – Australia 0–0
