Orkun Kökcü fires Turkey ahead against United States in World Cup match

Auston Trusty’s third-minute opener lasted only eight minutes, and the United States spent the rest of the first half trying to steady itself after Turkey turned the Group D match in Inglewood, California. Orkun Kökcü’s 31st-minute finish put Turkey ahead 2-1 at the Los Angeles Stadium, better known as SoFi Stadium, and turned a match that had started as a strong American opening into a live test of defensive shape and composure.

The sequence began with Trusty giving the United States a 1-0 lead before Turkey answered almost immediately. Arda Güler equalized in the 10th minute, and Kökcü completed the comeback before the break after a sharp, quick circulation through the Turkish attack. The move ended with Kökcü striking right-footed in front of goal, a clean finish that left the U.S. back line stretched and scrambling to reset.

The scoreline carried little tournament leverage, but it sharpened the questions around Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The United States had already secured advancement before kickoff, while Turkey had already been eliminated after losing its first two matches. That context made the half an important read on how the Americans handled pressure after giving up momentum, especially against an opponent quick enough to punish any lapse in organization.

ESPN’s live match feed listed Trusty at 3', Güler at 10' and Kökcü at 31', with Turkey leading 2-1 at halftime. Reuters images captured Kökcü’s celebration after the second Turkish goal, a visual marker of how quickly the match had swung away from the Americans after their early lead.

For Pochettino, who has already settled on his 26-man World Cup squad, the first half offered a familiar warning: a promising start means little if the structure behind it collapses. The United States had the first goal, but Turkey produced the sharper responses, and the Americans went into the interval needing more than possession and urgency to recover control.