Chris Vasile
• Betting Analyst
13+ years betting experience
Updated:
Jun 25, 2026 , 08:56 PM ET
• 4 min read
Confirmed USA vs. Turkey starting lineups are in, with Mauricio Pochettino rotating heavily while Arda Guler headlines Turkey’s attack.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Weston McKennie of the U.S. celebrates.
The United States and Turkey have confirmed their starting lineups ahead of Thursday night’s World Cup Group D finale, with the USMNT already locked into top spot and Turkey playing for pride after back-to-back defeats.
As bettors and fans search for the latest USA vs Turkey lineups, the biggest news is the expected U.S. rotation. Mauricio Pochettino has protected several key players ahead of the knockout stage, with Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson all left out of the starting XI due to yellow-card concerns.
Christian Pulisic also begins the match on the bench after recently returning from a calf issue, while Ricardo Pepi leads the line and Gio Reyna gets a chance to influence the attack from the opening whistle. Those changes could influence World Cup picks, player props, and live trading markets throughout the match.
Turkey, meanwhile, have made several changes of their own. Kenan Yildiz shifts into the striker role, with Arda Guler operating underneath him and Oguz Aydin providing width. Hakan Calhanoglu drops out of the starting XI, leaving Orkun Kokcu and Salih Ozcan to anchor midfield as Vincenzo Montella looks to avoid finishing the tournament without a point.
- UPDATE: USA and Turkey have confirmed their starting lineups.
USA starting lineup vs Turkey
USA (4-2-3-1): Matt Turner; Joe Scally, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Mark McKenzie; Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie; Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson; Ricardo Pepi.
Pochettino has gone with a rotated 4-2-3-1 shape, with Ricardo Pepi replacing Balogun as the central striker and Gio Reyna getting a chance to operate in an advanced attacking role. Sebastian Berhalter and Weston McKennie give the U.S. a different midfield look, while Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson provide energy and width around Reyna.
The biggest storyline is who is not starting. Balogun, Adams, Richards, and Robinson are all one yellow card away from suspension, so Pochettino has chosen not to risk them before the Round of 32. Pulisic is also available from the bench, giving the USMNT a high-end attacking option if the match needs a second-half spark.
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Turkey starting lineup vs USA
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Zeki Celik, Ozan Kabak, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Eren Elmali; Salih Ozcan, Orkun Kokcu; Oguz Aydin, Arda Guler, Baris Alper Yilmaz; Kenan Yildiz.
Turkey line up in a 4-2-3-1 with several changes from their previous match. Kenan Yildiz leads the line, while Arda Guler is handed the creative responsibility in the No. 10 role. Oguz Aydin comes into the starting XI to provide width on the right.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu from the starting lineup. That leaves Kokcu and Salih Ozcan to dictate play from deeper positions, with Turkey relying on the movement and creativity of Guler, Yildiz, and Baris Alper Yilmaz to finally break their scoring drought.
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Impact of USA vs Turkey starting lineups
The USA lineup confirms this is not a full-strength group-stage finale for the hosts. With top spot already secured, Pochettino has prioritized knockout-round availability over continuity, protecting several players who are one yellow card away from suspension.
That does not mean the U.S. lineup is weak. Pepi, Reyna, Weah, Aaronson, and Berhalter still give the Americans plenty of energy and attacking intent, and several players have a clear incentive to make a case for more minutes in the knockout stage. That could keep the U.S. dangerous even without some of its usual starters.
Turkey’s lineup is more changed than expected, with Calhanoglu dropping to the bench and Yildiz moving into the striker role. That places even more creative responsibility on Guler between the lines, while Kokcu and Ozcan will need to control possession against a rotated U.S. midfield. The tactical tweaks add some uncertainty to Turkey’s attacking outlook, but Guler and Yildiz remain the players most likely to produce a decisive moment.
Players to watch
Gio Reyna, USA: Reyna gets a chance to start in a creative role and should be one of the main connectors between midfield and attack. With Pepi ahead of him and Weah and Aaronson running off the ball, Reyna has the platform to influence chances in the final third.
Bet to watch: Gio Reyna to score a goal (+300 at Kalshi)
Arda Guler, Turkey: With Calhanoglu not in the starting XI, even more of Turkey’s creativity runs through Guler. He’ll be asked to unlock the U.S. defense, create chances for Yildiz, and threaten from distance and set pieces.
Bet to watch: Arda Guler to score a goal (+525 at Kalshi)
More World Cup picks & odds
USA vs Turkey starting lineups: Final Thoughts
The USA starting lineup reflects the bigger picture. Pochettino has already secured top spot in Group D, so this XI is built around managing suspension risk, protecting key players, and giving others a chance to stay sharp before the knockout stage.
Turkey also arrive with a different look than expected. Calhanoglu’s omission hands greater responsibility to Guler and Yildiz, while several fresh faces get an opportunity to impress despite Turkey already being eliminated. Their attacking talent is still evident, but the midfield will look very different without its captain pulling the strings.
For bettors, the key is not just who starts, but who could enter later. Pulisic, Balogun, and other regulars being available off the bench keeps the U.S. live in second-half markets, while Turkey’s attacking XI makes this a more interesting matchup than a typical dead-rubber group finale.