2026 World Cup: Turkey Exit With Win Over USA, Ivory Coast, Australia Enter Round 32

Turkey ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over the United States, securing the victory with the final kick of the game in Los Angeles.

The co-hosts made the perfect start when Auston Trusty drilled home after just two minutes and 13 seconds, the second-fastest World Cup goal in United States history.

Turkey responded through Arda Guler before Orkun Kokcu completed the turnaround ahead of the break.

Sebastian Berhalter restored parity in the second half, but Kaan Ayhan bundled home in stoppage time to hand Vincenzo Montella’s side a first World Cup win since 2002.

Meanwhile, the United States have secured qualification for the last 32 and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 2.

Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 win over Curacao.

Pepe opened the scoring inside seven minutes after Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive mistake before setting him up for a simple finish.

The former Arsenal forward wrapped up the win in the 65th minute with a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, securing second place in Group E with six points and a historic place in the last 32.

Curacao exited the tournament without a win but earned widespread praise after competing strongly against more established nations, including claiming their first-ever World Cup point against Ecuador.

Australia booked their place in the last 32 after a goalless draw with Paraguay in San Francisco, a result that suited both teams.

The Socceroos needed only a point to qualify as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay’s fourth point leaves them on course to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Australia created the better openings through Jackson Irvine, Cristian Volpato and Jordan Bos, but neither side could find a breakthrough in a cautious game.

Sweden secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s brilliant second-half strike earned a 1-1 draw against Japan.

Japan took the lead through Daizen Maeda after an impressive move involving Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan.

Sweden responded within six minutes when Newcastle United winger Elanga cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful effort beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

The draw leaves Sweden with four points, enough to qualify as one of the best third-place finishers, while Japan progresses as the Group F runners-up.

The Netherlands confirmed top spot in Group F with a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia.

The Dutch raced into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes after Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri diverted Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net before Brian Brobbey tapped home his third goal of the tournament.

Hazem Mastouri briefly gave Tunisia hope with a second-half header, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion to seal victory.

Ronald Koeman’s side will now face Morocco in the last 32, while Tunisia exit the tournament after losing all three group matches.