USA Falls to Türkiye, Netherlands Finish in First Place

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — At the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the final third-round matches in Groups D and F have concluded, finalizing the group standings and determining the next teams to qualify for the Round of 32.

In Group D, the central event was an intense showdown in Los Angeles, where the United States team fell to Türkiye with a score of 2-3. The Americans took the lead early in the 3rd minute thanks to a goal by Auston Trusty. However, the Turkish players managed to seize the initiative, with Arda Güler in the 10th minute and Barış Yılmaz in the 31st minute pulling their team ahead.

At the start of the second half, in the 49th minute, Sebastian Berhalter restored balance. The outcome of the dramatic encounter was decided deep in stoppage time, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the winning goal in the 90+8th minute. In the group's parallel match, Paraguay and Australia played out a goalless draw (0-0) in Santa Clara.

Despite the defeat, the US team maintained first place in Group D with 6 points. In the first round of the playoffs, scheduled for July 2 in Santa Clara, the Americans will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. Australia claimed the second spot (4 points), reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the third time in its history (following 2006 and 2022). The Australians will face the runner-up of Group G. Paraguay remains third with 4 points and awaits the conclusion of all matches in the round, while Türkiye finished bottom of the table with 3 points.

In Group F, the Netherlands celebrated a confident victory, defeating Tunisia 3-1 in Kansas City. The scoring opened in the 3rd minute due to an autogoal by Tunisia's Ellyes Skhiri. Four minutes later, Brian Brobbey doubled the lead for the Europeans, and in the 62nd minute, Jan Paul van Hecke scored the third goal.

For Tunisia, the solitary consolation goal was netted by Dynamo Makhachkala midfielder Hazem Mastouri. The other match in this group between Sweden and Japan, held in Arlington, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Following the three rounds, the Netherlands accumulated 7 points to win Group F. In the Round of 32 on June 30 in Monterrey, Mexico, they will clash with Morocco. Japan, finishing second with 5 points, drew Brazil as their opponent; their head-to-head match will take place on June 29 in Houston. Sweden, with 4 points, also secured advancement to the next stage as one of the best third-placed teams, with their exact opponent to be determined later.

The Tunisian national team exits the tournament without earning any points. The historic 48-team tournament continues, and the name of the new or defending global champion (Argentina is defending the title) will be decided on July 19.