Sebastian Berhalter scored a goal for the United States during a World Cup group-stage match against Türkiye on June 25, 2026 [2].
The result marks a significant setback for the U.S. men's national team, ending an unbeaten World Cup run in a high-stakes Group D encounter.
The match took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The U.S. attempted to rally from a deficit, with Berhalter playing a pivotal role in the offense. While the team managed to find the net twice, they ultimately lost the game with a final score of 2-3 [1].
Reports differ on the exact sequence of the U.S. scoring. Some accounts indicate that Berhalter provided the assist for the first goal before scoring himself later in the match. Other reports suggest Berhalter scored the first U.S. goal and subsequently assisted another teammate. Regardless of the order, the goal represented Berhalter's maiden World Cup strike.
The loss was sealed by a last-second goal from Türkiye, which prevented a potential draw. The defeat complicates the U.S. path to the knockout stages as they navigate the competitive Group D landscape.
The match served as a critical test for the U.S. defense and midfield under the pressure of a home crowd. Despite the individual achievement by Berhalter, the team was unable to maintain a lead or secure a point in the closing moments of the game.
“The U.S. men's national team fell 2-3 to Türkiye.”
This loss ends a streak of unbeaten World Cup appearances for the U.S. and places them in a precarious position within Group D. The inability to hold a lead against Türkiye suggests vulnerabilities in the defensive transition that the coaching staff must address before the final group matches to avoid early elimination.
