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Türkiye concluded its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory over the United States in the final Group D match, producing a strong performance despite failing to advance to the knockout stage.
Following the match at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, Türkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella praised his players for their determination and resilience throughout the tournament, saying the team would return home with pride.
“We will return to our country with our heads held high,” Montella said during the post-match press conference.
The Italian coach described the victory as highly significant for his squad, calling it “a game worth a thousand victories,” and emphasized the importance of the team’s response under pressure.
Montella said the team’s ability to recover after conceding goals demonstrated their character and team spirit.
“Being able to concede and respond shortly afterward is an indicator of the spirit within this team,” he said.
The coach acknowledged that Türkiye missed opportunities during the competition and said improvements would be needed, particularly in finishing.
“We could have taken better advantage of some opportunities. We could have been more effective, but sometimes the ball simply does not go in. That is football,” Montella added.
Montella also rejected assigning blame for the team’s early exit, describing the World Cup experience as a valuable lesson for the future.
“This is an experience, and we will learn from it,” he said, adding that Türkiye would not have to wait another 24 years to return to the World Cup.
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment after the defeat but emphasized that his team achieved its primary objective by finishing first in Group D.
“Türkiye is leaving the tournament. I do not understand why it feels like we are the ones going home and Türkiye is continuing,” Pochettino said.
The Argentine coach praised his players for their overall performance and noted that the United States successfully managed the expectations surrounding the tournament.
“Our first objective before the World Cup was to qualify. Then our next goal was to finish first in the group, and we achieved that,” Pochettino said.
Pochettino added that the team should be recognized for winning a difficult group and that the focus must now shift toward the next stage of the competition.
“Nobody has congratulated us yet for finishing first in such a difficult group,” he said.
While admitting that the defeat against Türkiye was disappointing, Pochettino said the match showed the depth of his squad, with several players making their first World Cup appearance.
“Winning three matches is not what makes history. Winning the World Cup is what makes history,” he said.
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