Turkey wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States, sealing the win with a stoppage-time goal in Los Angeles.
The hosts took an early lead through Auston Trusty, who scored after just two minutes and 13 seconds — the second-fastest World Cup goal in U.S. history. However, Turkey responded with goals from Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü before halftime.
Sebastian Berhalter equalized in the second half, but Kaan Ayhan struck with the final kick of the match to hand Vincenzo Montella’s side their first World Cup victory since 2002.
Despite the defeat, the United States progressed to the Round of 32 and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2.
Elsewhere, Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pépé scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curaçao.
Pépé opened the scoring inside seven minutes after Yan Diomande capitalized on a defensive error before providing the assist. The former Arsenal winger completed his brace in the 65th minute with a stunning left-footed strike, securing second place in Group E with six points.
Although Curaçao exited the tournament without a win, they earned praise for their spirited performances, including claiming their first-ever World Cup point against Ecuador.
Australia also secured a place in the Round of 32 after a goalless draw with Paraguay in San Francisco.
The Socceroos needed only a point to finish as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay’s four points keep them in contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Australia created the better chances through Jackson Irvine, Cristian Volpato, and Jordan Bos, but neither side found a breakthrough.
Sweden joined the knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s superb second-half strike earned a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Japan had gone ahead through Daizen Maeda following a well-worked move, but Elanga leveled six minutes later with a powerful finish from outside the box. The result saw Sweden advance as one of the best third-placed teams, while Japan qualified as Group F runners-up.
The Netherlands finished top of Group F with a convincing 3-1 win over Tunisia.
An early own goal by Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri and Brian Brobbey’s third goal of the tournament gave the Dutch a commanding lead. Hazem Mastouri briefly reduced the deficit for Tunisia before Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal advantage to seal the victory.
The Netherlands will now face Morocco in the Round of 32, while Tunisia bowed out after losing all three group-stage matches.
For eye witness news report, Contact us SNOW TV NEWS via snowmediatv@gmail.com or WhatsApp on +2348143077239
FOR MORE INFO, TRENDING AND BREAKING NEWS UPDATE, FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL @OFFICIALSNOWTV