Pochettino calls USMNT display ‘pretty good’ after loss

The USMNT loss to Turkey on June 25, 2026 did not change the headline outcome: the United States are still through to the knockout rounds after already clinching Group D.

In a Group D finale at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, Mauricio Pochettino’s side were beaten by Türkiye, with the result landing as a bump rather than a blow. The Americans had already done the hard work earlier in the group, guaranteeing first place before the last match day.

A rotated USMNT falls, but the group is already won

The final group game carried a different kind of tension for the United States, because the standings were effectively settled from an American perspective. It marked the first time since the introduction of group stages that the USMNT had wrapped up first place in their group before the final round of matches.

That context shaped the approach and, crucially, the team sheet. Several regular starters were given a breather, while a number of players made their first on-field appearance of the tournament as Pochettino managed minutes and matchload.

Discipline also factored into the selections, with rotation used to sidestep potential yellow-card complications. The message was clear: progress was secured, and the priority was entering the knockout phase with options intact.

Trusty strikes early as Turkey respond in Inglewood

Even with changes, the USMNT started fast enough to make noise. Auston Trusty scored for the United States, and the strike was noted as the second-fastest goal in USMNT World Cup history.

Christian Pulisic was among the U.S. players in the spotlight at Los Angeles Stadium, as the hosts’ tournament continues to run through Los Angeles’ bright lights. But Türkiye found a way to turn the match, handing the Americans their first defeat of this World Cup group stage.

For the United States, the larger takeaway is not the blemish on the record but what it reveals about the tournament position. A group already won changes the stakes of a final match, and it can flatten urgency when the elimination math is off the table.

Pochettino keeps the tone steady ahead of knockouts

After the match, Pochettino struck a calm note rather than joining any alarm. Speaking to FOX’s Jenny Taft, the USMNT coach described the showing as “pretty good,” leaning on the fact the primary target had already been met.

It is a stance that fits a side now thinking in brackets rather than tables. With first place already banked, the finale became a chance to rest legs, widen the pool of players with tournament minutes, and avoid unnecessary risk ahead of the knockout stage.

In practical terms, the USMNT now move forward carrying both positives and a warning label. The positives are obvious: Group D winners, qualification secured early, and a squad managed with the next round in mind.

The warning is equally straightforward: rotation can test rhythm, and knockouts rarely allow a slow start to a half or a lapse in control. The U.S. have already shown they can do enough to win a group; the next step is translating that into a one-game, all-or-nothing environment.

Next up is the knockout phase, where the margin for error disappears and the best XI returns to the forefront. The USMNT arrive there as group winners who can afford one loss on paper, but not another in reality.