Turkey vs United States: FIFA World Cup 2026 Predicted Lineups

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D finale sees Turkey clash with co-hosts United States at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kick-off is scheduled for Friday, June 26, at 7:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time). While the United States have already secured their spot atop Group D and advanced to the Round of 32, Turkey finds themselves eliminated after two challenging defeats. This fixture, though a 'dead rubber' in terms of qualification, provides a crucial opportunity for both managers to fine-tune tactics and for fringe players to stake their claim. FIFA Approves 48-Team Expansion for 2029 Club World Cup, To Include More PL Clubs.

Match Details

Turkey Predicted Starting XI and Formation

Under manager Vincenzo Montella, Turkey is expected to stick with their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, despite their early exit from the tournament. The Crescent-Stars will be playing for pride and aiming to register their first goal and point of the competition.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Ugurcan Cakir (GK); Mert Muldur, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu; Hakan Çalhanoğlu (C), İsmail Yüksek; Barış Alper Yılmaz, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız; Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

Key players like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız will be crucial in unlocking the US defense, while captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu will dictate the tempo from midfield.

United States Predicted Starting XI and Formation

Having secured the top spot in Group D, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to heavily rotate his squad to rest key players and avoid yellow card suspensions ahead of the knockout stages. Players such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Tyler Adams are likely to be rested. The Stars and Stripes will likely maintain a 4-2-3-1 setup, providing opportunities for squad depth to shine.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Matt Freese (GK); Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty; Sebastian Berhalter, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna; Haji Wright. Neymar Joins Legendary Pele in Elite FIFA World Cup List For Brazil After Appearance Against Scotland in WC 2026.

Key Players to Watch

Arda Güler (Turkey): The Real Madrid attacking midfielder is Turkey's creative engine, known for his exceptional technical ability and vision.

Kenan Yıldız (Turkey): Another young star from Juventus, Yıldız provides attacking flair and has been a significant goal threat in qualifying.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey): The experienced captain dictates play from midfield with his passing range and set-piece expertise.

Weston McKennie (United States): Even with rotation, McKennie is likely to feature and will be crucial in controlling the midfield and driving attacks.

Giovanni Reyna (United States): Expected to get a starting nod, Reyna's playmaking ability and quality in the final third will be vital for the US attack.

Haji Wright (United States): Leading the line, Wright will aim to add to the USA's goal tally and prove his worth as a primary striker.

This Group D clash, while not impacting qualification for the USA, is an important fixture for both teams. The United States will look to maintain their winning momentum heading into the knockouts, while Turkey will strive to leave the tournament with a positive performance and some pride restored on the global stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 10:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).