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2026 World Cup: What to expect as USMNT faces Türkiye with nothing at stake in final group stage match

Yahoo Sports • June 25, 2026 • general

Key Points:

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to rest four starters at risk of suspension for the final Group D match against Türkiye, prioritizing player fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout stage.
Christian Pulisic is expected to play some minutes as he recovers from a calf injury, while Cristian Roldan's availability is uncertain due to a quadriceps issue.
Pochettino may maintain some continuity with goalkeeper Matt Freese and versatile players like Weston McKennie and striker Ricardo Pepi, while giving opportunities to other squad members.
Players with yellow cards from earlier matches, including Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Folarin Balogun, are likely to be rested to avoid suspension in the knockout rounds.
Despite Türkiye's elimination, Pochettino anticipates a challenging match, emphasizing the pride and competitiveness inherent in World Cup play.

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