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FIFA has listed Baris Alper Yilmaz as the scorer of Türkiye's second goal in the national team's 3-2 win over the United States at the 2026 World Cup, despite the goal initially being associated with Orkun Kokcu.
The decision drew attention after Orkun Kokcu appeared to finish off a move in the 31st minute following a pass from Eren Elmali. The Türkiye midfielder celebrated the goal, and much of the early discussion around the match focused on him.
However, FIFA later credited the goal to Baris Alper Yilmaz rather than Kokcu, sparking debate over who made the final touch.
The match ended with Türkiye beating the United States 3-2, giving the national team a high-profile result at the 2026 World Cup.
While Kokcu's involvement in the move drew attention during and after the game, FIFA's official attribution changed the focus of the discussion. The goal was recorded under Baris Alper Yilmaz's name, not Kokcu's.
The controversy grew on social media after users claimed that Kokcu's shot may have gone in after taking a touch off Baris Alper Yilmaz.
That claim became central to the debate as supporters discussed whether the goal should belong to Kokcu or Baris Alper. FIFA's official record, however, names Baris Alper Yilmaz as the scorer of Türkiye's second goal.
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