USA v Turkey LIVE: Christian Pulisic returns to bench for World Cup co-hosts

The United States arrive in Los Angeles with a clear objective: maintain momentum. Already confirmed as Group D winners, Mauricio Pochettino’s side face an eliminated Turkey side on Tuesday night, but the dead-rubber carries more than just pride. With Christian Pulisic back on the bench after injury, the USA can showcase depth and rhythm ahead of the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Turkey’s campaign has already unraveled, leaving their final match a formality rather than a fight.

A group secured, but rhythm must continue

Pochettino’s team have made a statement in their opening two matches. A 4-1 dismantling of Paraguay was followed by a 2-0 victory over Australia, marking the first time the USA have won their first two World Cup games since 1930. That record alone underlines the scale of their progress under the Argentine coach. With qualification already achieved, the dilemma now is whether to rest key players or preserve the momentum that has carried them this far. Pulisic’s presence on the bench—after missing the win over Australia with a calf injury—adds an extra layer of intrigue. His return could provide a late spark if called upon, but the bigger question is how the USA manage their energy before the knockout phase.

Turkey, by contrast, arrive with nothing to play for. Their campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Australia, then a 1-0 loss to a 10-man Paraguay. The side that entered the tournament as one of the dark horses has faded fast, and their final group game is now a procedural step rather than a competitive test. Their XI, confirmed as Cakir; Celik, Kabak, Bardakci, Elmali; Ozcan, Kokcu; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz, offers little indication of a late surge. For the USA, every pass and press must feel like preparation for the battles ahead.

Head-to-head history and what it means

This is the fourth meeting between the two nations, but the first in competitive football. Previous encounters—two friendlies in 2010 and 2014, both won by the USA, and a 2-1 victory for Turkey in June 2024—provide little guide to Tuesday’s outcome. The context has shifted entirely. The USA are ascending, with a squad built for tournament football and a coach who has instilled structure and belief. Turkey, meanwhile, are reeling from underperformance and internal pressures. The psychological edge, if it exists, almost certainly favours the hosts.

In the United States, the game will be broadcast live on Fox and Telemundo. ITV1 and ITVX will cover the action in the UK, ensuring global eyes remain fixed on a match that, while officially meaningless for one side, carries tactical weight for the other. For Pochettino, the focus must remain on cohesion and sharpness. A third consecutive win would send a clear message: the USA are not just qualified, they are ready.

Tactical outlook: depth vs. dead rubber

Pochettino’s approach against Turkey will likely prioritise rotation without sacrificing intensity. The USA’s backline, anchored by experienced hands, must remain disciplined against a Turkish attack featuring Yilmaz, Guler, and Yildiz. The midfield battle between Ozcan and Kokcu against the USA’s central options could set the tempo—will Turkey press high in the final minutes, or retreat into a low block? For the hosts, the challenge is to avoid complacency while giving fringe players minutes to stake a claim for knockout football.

Turkey’s shape under their coach has lacked cohesion, and their personnel changes in recent weeks suggest instability. With nothing to gain, their best hope may lie in individual moments of quality—perhaps from Guler or Yildiz—but the USA’s defensive structure, honed over two dominant displays, should provide a sturdy barrier. If Pulisic does feature, even briefly, his directness could unlock stubborn defences in a way few others can.

For the USA, the real test begins after the final whistle. A strong finish to the group stage is one thing; carrying that rhythm into the Round of 16 is another. Pochettino’s squad has shown they can adapt, can defend, and can attack with purpose. Against Turkey, they have the chance to refine those traits one last time before the knockout football begins.