A dead rubber awaits at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, when the United States host Türkiye in their final Group D fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm local time.

The United States have already secured top spot in Group D, courtesy of victories over Australia and Paraguay. Those results guarantee that no other side can overtake them on head-to-head record, regardless of the outcome here.

Türkiye, meanwhile, exit the tournament having lost both of their previous group games — 2-0 to Australia and 1-0 to Paraguay, a side that played the entire second half with ten men. Vincenzo Montella's side are yet to score a single goal at this World Cup, and their performances have been hampered by a reluctance to use wide areas effectively and a tendency to attempt speculative long-range efforts.

Pulisic set to return

The United States have impressed in front of their home crowd, combining attacking ambition with clinical finishing. Their 4-1 win over Paraguay and their 2-0 victory against Australia both saw the opening goal arrive via an own-goal — though neither result flattered manager Mauricio Pochettino's side.

The standout absentee in the win over Australia was forward Christian Pulisic of AC Milan, who missed out due to a calf injury. The USA's most dangerous attacker has since returned to full training and is expected to push for a starting place ahead of the knockout stage.

Pochettino has the luxury of rotating his squad against Türkiye without risking his side's momentum, though the desire to keep that rhythm going into the knockout rounds may yet influence his team selection.

Score prediction

With everything to play for in terms of form and fitness heading into the knockouts, the United States are expected to make light work of a Türkiye side that has struggled for goals, creativity, and confidence throughout the group stage.

Prediction: USA 3-1 Türkiye