'We Finished First': Pochettino Plays Down Turkey Loss

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted there was no reason for concern after the United States suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match. Despite conceding a stoppage-time winner, the USA had already secured top spot in the group with victories over Paraguay and Australia. Pochettino emphasized that finishing first was the team's primary objective, while also handing opportunities to several squad players ahead of the knockout rounds.