The U.S. Men’s National Team faced Turkey in a thrilling World Cup Group D match on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The highlight of the night was the return of Christian Pulisic who had been sidelined for 13 days due to a calf injury. His comeback was met with enthusiastic cheers from the sellout crowd, signaling his importance to the team.
Pulisic entered the game in the 58th minute replacing an injured teammate and immediately making his presence felt. His dynamic runs and precise passes revitalized the American attack, nearly resulting in a goal just minutes after his substitution. Despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey, Pulisic’s performance was a positive sign for the team’s upcoming knockout stages.
Pulisic’s dynamic return and impact on the field
The AC Milan midfielder had previously impressed in the team’s opening match against Paraguay, where he contributed to two goals before being substituted at halftime due to his injury. His absence in the subsequent match against Australia was keenly felt, making his return against Turkey all the more significant.
Pulisic’s first notable action came when he created a scoring opportunity with a swift run down the left flank. His quick shot in the 63rd minute was deflected off the goalpost by Turkey’s goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Later, he provided an excellent pass to Ricardo Pepi in injury time, although his teammate couldn’t capitalize on the chance.
The loss to Turkey was overshadowed by Pulisic’s impactful performance. His ability to create something out of thin air was evident, as he energized the American attack and set the stage for the team’s next match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The turning point: Turkey’s late goal
The match took a dramatic turn in the final moments when Turkey scored the winning goal. The sequence began with a piece of magic from Arda Güler the 21-year-old Real Madrid star. Boxed into a corner by two American defenders, Güler flicked the ball between Pulisic’s legs and ran around him, creating the space necessary to start the final sequence.
Salih Ozcan then kicked a long cross to Can Uzun, who got the ball in space on the back post and slipped it under sprawling goalkeeper Matt Turner to Kaan Ayhan sealing the victory for Turkey. Despite this setback, Pulisic’s teammates praised his performance and the positive impact he had on the team.
Teammates praise Pulisic’s leadership and quality
U.S. captain Weston McKennie highlighted Pulisic’s unique qualities, stating, “(Pulisic) is a special player. There’s no doubt that he adds something to the group. He adds his 1-on-1 qualities.” McKennie further emphasized Pulisic’s ability to create something out of thin air which was crucial for the team’s dynamics.
Sebastian Berhalter also commended Pulisic’s impact, saying, “You saw his quality, and you saw when he came in the impact he had. He’s our guy. He’s a leader in his own right.” These testimonials underscore Pulisic’s pivotal role in the team’s strategy and morale.
Pulisic himself expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I felt good, so it was really nice to be back with the team and get some minutes. I felt good with the ball. It was a tough way to end for us, for sure. But ” His readiness for the upcoming match against Bosnia-Herzegovina is a promising sign for the U.S. Men’s National Team.
As the team prepares for the knockout rounds, Pulisic’s return and his teammates’ praise highlight his crucial role in the squad. His dynamic play and leadership will be essential as the U.S. aims to make history in the World Cup.
