US Men's Soccer Team Has Already Won. Now, Can They Make History?

The U.S. men's national soccer team is heading into their final World Cup group stage match against Turkey with a peculiar flex: they've already won. Their spot in the Round of 32 is locked in, thanks to some tidy work against Paraguay and Australia.

So, what's a team to do when the pressure's off? Apparently, go for a record.

Playing for Bragging Rights (and History)

Winning their group meant the U.S. carved out a rather pleasant path into the knockout rounds. But there's a bigger prize on the line against Turkey: a third win. The American men have never, in the history of the World Cup, secured more than two victories in a single tournament. A third would be uncharted territory. Defender Mark McKenzie, ever the diplomat, told reporters the team still wants to "finish the group stage strong" and keep that momentum rolling. Because, apparently, that's what you do when you're already through.

This "no pressure, just make history" scenario also offers a strategic playground for coach Gregg Berhalter. Several key players are currently walking the yellow card tightrope. Another booking against Turkey would sideline them for the Round of 32. We're talking about defenders Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards, midfielder Tyler Adams, and forward Folarin Balogun. Good news, though: all single yellow cards magically disappear after the group stage, like that awkward conversation you had at the office party.

Christian Pulisic, who sat out the Australia game with a minor calf issue, is expected to be available. Which means he might get to stretch those legs without the world's weight on his shoulders.

Turkey's Unfortunate Exit

Turkey, on the other hand, arrived in the World Cup with the kind of high hopes usually reserved for lottery winners. With young talents like Real Madrid's Arda Güler and Juventus's Kenan Yildiz, many expected them to make a deep run. Instead, they're heading home after losses to Paraguay and Australia, their World Cup dreams fizzled out like a damp firework.

Their players have been, understandably, apologetic. Yildiz reiterated that apology, promising to "give our best" against the U.S. to leave with a bit of pride. It's a tough spot, playing for national honor when the tournament has already told you to pack your bags.

The last time these two teams met was in a June 2025 friendly, which Turkey won 2-1. Though, to be fair, the U.S. was missing a few household names like Pulisic, Robinson, Balogun, and Weston McKennie. Defender Chris Richards insists that previous result didn't reflect the U.S.'s true performance. He's confident that "whoever is on the field will give 110 percent." Because when history is on the line, you don't just phone it in.