With a spot in the knockout stage already secured, the United States men’s national team faces a balancing act in its final Group D match against Turkey on Thursday in Inglewood, California. Coach Mauricio Pochettino must decide how much to use star attacker Christian Pulisic, who returned to training after missing the 2-0 win over Australia, in a game that has no bearing on the standings.
Pulisic isn’t the only concern. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson are all one yellow card away from suspension; a second booking against Turkey would sideline them for the round-of-16 match. The U.S. has won consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1930 and has scored six goals in two matches, one shy of the team record for a single tournament.
Turkey, making its first World Cup appearance in 24 years, has yet to score and is already eliminated. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Fox, Telemundo, and Peacock.
Group E: Ecuador in must-win mode
Ecuador arrived at the World Cup on a 19-game winning streak but now faces elimination unless it beats Germany in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Ecuadorians opened with a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast on a 90th-minute goal by Amad Diallo, then played to a scoreless draw against Curacao. Germany has already clinched the group but will be without defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is out for the tournament with an ankle injury.
Ivory Coast aims for historic knockout berth
Ivory Coast can reach the knockout stage for the first time with a win over Curacao in Philadelphia. The Elephants beat Ecuador 1-0 and led Germany at halftime before losing 2-1. Curacao still has an outside chance, needing a win and help from Ecuador to overcome a minus-6 goal differential.
Group F: Netherlands, Japan vie for top spot
The Netherlands and Japan both have four points and a plus-four goal differential, setting up a tense finale. The Dutch face Tunisia, while Japan plays Sweden. Sweden, with three points, must win and hope the Netherlands does no better than a draw to finish first. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said his team will focus on its own match.
Group D: Paraguay-Australia for second place
Australia clinches second place with a win or draw; Paraguay advances with a win. Australia will be without injured forward Mat Leckie and defender Jacob Italiano. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron is suspended after a red card for covering his mouth during a confrontation against Turkey; Mauricio will start in his place, coach Gustavo Alfaro said.
Stat of the day
Switzerland has qualified for the knockout phase in seven consecutive major tournaments (World Cups and UEFA Euros).
