The United States men’s national soccer team lost its final Group D match to Türkiye, 3-2, as Kaan Ayhan scored on the final shot of the game in a crushing blow to the home country.
The only, and more important, caveat: this game never affected the United States’ chances of winning the FIFA World Cup in the first place.
Yes, Team USA was trying to take momentum into the round of 32 next week, and even make history for the country as the first team to win three World Cup matches. Instead, it’s some slight heartbreak in Los Angeles.
Sebastian Berhalter of the United States celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California.(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Türkiye, who has had a lackluster tournament, will go home on a high note as they celebrated their hard-fought win against a USMNT squad that saw nine changes to the starting XI from head coach Mauricio Pochettino to keep players fresh for next week.
The crowd was shaking during the national anthem, but all of Inglewood, California, likely felt the moment Auston Trusty hammered in a corner kick from Sebastian Berhalter just three minutes into the match against Türkiye.
Trusty hit a dead sprint to the U.S. bench, while the sold-out crowd at Los Angeles Stadium was in rapture.
Advertisement
But Türkiye, despite having no chance of moving forward in the tournament, was not going out lightly with this match. Only seven minutes later, Arda Güler, the 21-year-old who stars for Real Madrid, took advantage of some soft U.S. coverage and buried a ball past Matt Turner, taking over for Matt Freese in net, to tie the game at one apiece.
It was a physical match moving forward, with the U.S. showing that this game still meant something, as they were searching for history as the only team to ever win three World Cup matches. Meanwhile, Türkiye was playing for pride, and it was written all over their faces.
It was Türkiye breaking through the tie first, though, as Orkun Kökçü had a clean look right in front of the goal thanks to solid passing around the U.S. box. He tapped it in and the crowd quieted a bit.
Advertisement
Auston Trusty of the United States celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25, 2026, in Inglewood, California.(Jared C. Tilton/FIFA)
The first half ended with Türkiye out in front, but if there’s one way to get the crowd going in the second half, it’s seeing “Captain America” finally back on the pitch. Christian Pulisic played just 45 minutes in this World Cup due to a left calf injury, missing the entirety of the match against Australia.
But Pulisic said he felt 100% prior to the match, and instead of letting him sit out until the round of 32, Pochettino thought it smart to give him time. He immediately made an impact, forcing Türkiye back into their defensive zone, and that ultimately led to a moment where a throw-in led to a pinball that landed at Berhalter’s foot.
Berhalter hit a low strike, and through traffic, the ball scurried past the Türkiye keeper for the equalizer at two apiece. Once again, it was just three minutes into the half, and all the momentum fell back on the home country.
Both teams tried their best to break the tie once more, with Pulisic having the best chance with a left-footed strike that just went outside the left post. However, Ayhan’s heroic slide to kick the ball in the back of the U.S. net is how this one ended just before the final whistle.
Advertisement
United States’ Gio Reyna and Turkey’s Orkun Kokcu battle for the ball during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Turkey and the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25, 2026.(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Manchester City have agreed terms with Nottingham Forest over the transfer of Elliot Anderson to the Etihad Stadium.
Football is a fickle business, and it doesn’t take long for the euphoria of a shiny new signing to die down before fans start asking whether they’ve got value for money.
Manchester City’s desire to bring Elliot Anderson to the Etihad has been clear for quite some time, and while a number of other clubs have also been monitoring the England international – including city rivals Manchester United – it has always been apparent that City was his preferred destination.
Advertisement
Striking a deal with Nottingham Forest remained the only potential stumbling block, but City did so on Thursday night as a fee of £116million was agreed. While the figure seems steep for a 23-year-old who was sold for £35m just two years ago, it reflects the rapid rise of the former Newcastle man and his undoubted talent. But do City fans think the club have got value for money?
The Manchester Evening News asked supporters to tell us how much they thought the England international was worth, with options of between £80m and £100m, £100m and £120m, or over £120m.
An overwhelming majority of 67% of fans voted for the former, believing Anderson is worth between £80m and £100m. 23% of voters believe he is worth between £100m and £120m, with the £116m fee City have agreed with Forest falling into this bracket. Meanwhile, only 10% of voters believe Anderson is worth more than £120m.
Advertisement
The figures suggest there are plenty of fans Anderson will need to win over to prove he is worthy of the record transfer fee for a British player that City have agreed, though he’ll go some way to justifying his price tag if he can help lead England to glory at this summer’s World Cup.
As we wait for the finer details to be thrashed out ahead of Anderson’s move, attention will now switch to what else City need to do to strengthen their midfield options in their bid to reclaim their Premier League crown. Is just signing Anderson enough, or do you think City need to sign Sandro Tonali as well? Or do you think another midfield addition is required but Tonali isn’t the right man? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below:
While India’s teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had to wait for his international debut, Ireland handed a first T20I cap to India-born left-arm pacer Jai Moondra in the opening match of the series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday.India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first. India went with three specialist fast bowlers, one all-rounder and two spinners, while Sooryavanshi was left out of the playing XI.For Ireland, captain Lorcan Tucker confirmed Moondra’s debut at the toss, saying, “Would’ve bowled. Looks like a really good pitch. It was a matter of transition. Stirlo led the last couple of years beautifully. Jai is making his debut today.”Moondra’s debut may not have drawn the same attention as Sooryavanshi’s expected appearance, but the 29-year-old has built a reputation in Irish cricket as one of the quickest bowlers from Leinster, Ireland’s most populated province.
Who is Jai Moondra?
Born in Tonk, Rajasthan, Moondra moved to Ireland in 2021 to pursue a Master’s degree in Electronics and Communication. After arriving, he joined Leinster Cricket Club in Dublin and worked his way into Ireland’s domestic setup.Speaking after receiving his maiden Ireland call-up, Moondra told Cricket Ireland, “To play international cricket was always a dream. I’m really grateful to Cricket Ireland for giving me this opportunity. While I set goals for myself, I also focus on each game. I have targets, but I don’t get stressed about the future. I try to enjoy the moment – and that’s what I intend to do with the India series.”Interestingly, Moondra did not begin his cricket journey as a fast bowler. He started out as a batter who could bowl left-arm spin before switching to pace later in his career.His domestic record includes one first-class match for Leinster, along with six List A games and five T20 matches.With his debut, Moondra joined a list of players of Indian origin to represent Ireland. That list includes Raman Lamba and Simi Singh, as per a report by Cricbuzz. Another name is Robin Waters, who was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and was part of the Ireland side that bowled out the West Indies for 25 in 1969.Indian cricket fans may also recognise Waters as the driver involved in the 1961 road accident in England that left Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was travelling as a passenger, with the loss of vision in one eye.
France’s preparations for its final World Cup group game have been disrupted by the departure of manager Didier Deschamps from the team’s camp following the death of his mother. Mbappé’s Les Bleus are set to face Halland’s Norway in a highly anticipated duel between the two star goalscorers. FRANCE 24’s Selina Sykes followed Les Bleus as they prepare for their final game.
It’s a duel that’s set to be gruelling at the World Cup. France on one side, Norway on the other, with two star goalscorers facing each other: Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The game could decide who finishes first of the group. The man leading Les Bleus is not Didier Deschamps, whose mother passed away earlier this week. Instead, his assistant Guy Stéphan is in charge.
Alyssa receives Suspension after Fist to Caitlin Clark’s Throat
The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game after reviewing an incident involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during Wednesday night’s game.
No foul was called when the play occurred with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter of Phoenix’s 111-109 victory. However, after reviewing the footage, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant Foul 2 and announced that Thomas would also be fined $1,000.
In its statement, the WNBA said:
Advertisement
“Per WNBA rule, the League Office has the option, following its review of any game, to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game and may impose a fine and/or suspension.”
The incident happened as Clark drove into the lane and ended up on the floor following contact. During the scramble for the ball, Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat with her fist before getting up and stepping over the Fever guard.
Indiana head coach Stephanie White was critical of the officials after the game, arguing the play should have been penalized immediately.
Advertisement
“No. 1, you’ve got to call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful.”
The league’s post-game review ultimately agreed that the contact warranted a Flagrant Foul 2, making Thomas ineligible for Phoenix’s next game against the Toronto Tempo.
It is a tap-in tally to bet the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna with the first pick at the NHL draft when it begins on Friday in Buffalo.
Uncertain is who is chosen next, and even who makes the second selection.
The free-for-all will not end there during a couple of intriguing days in the two-day event.
As of now, the San Jose Sharks own the second overall selection, and would surprise nobody by selecting winger Ivar Stenberg.
Advertisement
From there, the draft includes a two-way center in Caleb Malhotra, and a slew of defensemen (Chase Reid, Alberts Smits, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph) to round out most of the top-10.
In the mix among all of those names is a wild card in center Viggo Bjorck, who may be on the smaller side but has eye-catching skill that many of the teams outside the top two covet.
But how the draft shakes out in terms of which young men receive new sweaters upon graduating to the next step of their career is only part of the intrigue.
It will be fascinating how much wheeling and dealing comes to fruition among the clubs with excessive draft capital. Already, 12 of the 32 first-round selections have been traded, some of them more than once.
Advertisement
Case in point, the St. Louis Blues missed the playoffs by four points, so a case could be made they should be adding to make a push.
On Wednesday, the Blues dealt Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals and added a fourth — yes FOURTH — first-round pick to their stable. In owning picks No. 11, 15, 16 and 29, the Blues could use those to add players who would have an immediate impact while they re-tool.
St. Louis is not alone in holding plenty of valuable cards. The Sharks also own the ninth and 27th picks. San Jose plans to take a substantial leap forward next season with a team built around plenty of young talent, notably Macklin Celebrini. It will take a mint to pry away that second overall pick, but the Sharks would be wise to parlay those other first-rounders for a legitimate player to fill a gaping hole or two in their roster.
Then you have the host Buffalo Sabres. This past season’s Atlantic Division regular-season champs took a hit by losing forward Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade swap with the Washington Capitals (which gave them a 2027 third rounder) and also dealt away skilled defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks. Thanks to the latter deal, which is something of a head-scratcher from Chicago’s perspective with that team’s need for a scoring forward to play alongside Connor Bedard, the Sabres added the fourth overall pick, while also holding the 20th.
Advertisement
It will be a huge surprise if the Sabres do not use that currency to add a player who will help them now fuel their Stanley Cup hopes.
There certainly are plenty of players on the trade market, such as Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Anaheim Ducks stagnated power forward Mason McTavish and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies.
So, feel free to await the words “I’ve got a trade to announce” from Gary Bettman throughout the draft, and not just to be a drinking game.
Bailey signed for United from Burnley in 2021. He made a positive early impression for the academy and made his under-18s debut under Travis Binnion in 2023, when he was just 15. The teenager went on to make his under-21s debut in 2025.
Advertisement
But United announced earlier this month that Bailey would be leaving alongside Malachi Sharpe and Sonny Aljofree. It has now been confirmed that he will be playing in English football’s third tier with Stockport.
The midfielder has already played for Stockport’s academy side in the season just gone, and academy director Mike Jeffries has now explained why Bailey, who has signed a two-year contract, deserves his first professional deal.
He said: “James has worked incredibly hard throughout his time in the Academy since joining from Manchester United and fully deserves this opportunity. He has shown a fantastic attitude, a strong commitment to his development, and a willingness to learn every day.
“Signing a first professional contract is an important milestone, but it’s also the beginning of the next stage of his journey. We’re pleased with the progress he has made and believe he has the qualities, both on and off the pitch, to continue developing within the football club.
“Everyone in the Academy is proud of James and the dedication he has shown to reach this point. We look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career and continues to push for further opportunities.”
Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.
Head of emerging talent Vinil Joseph added: “James is a player we have tracked for a considerable period of time. He is a tenacious midfielder who combines a strong competitive edge with excellent technical quality, highlighted by a fantastic left foot.
“We believe he possesses attributes required to thrive in a senior environment and continue his development at the club. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
Advertisement
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Bailey has also shared his happiness at joining Stockport. writing on Instagram, he said: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract at @stockportcounty, New beginnings, Happy to get started.”
Former Reds academy colleagues Chido Obi, Samuel Lusale, Jacob Devaney, Dante Plunkett and Bassirou Nkoto were among those who wished him good luck in response.
Man City have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.
A recent photo taken of Elliot Anderson shows him holding a cricket bat at England’s training camp in Kansas City. Anderson has looked relaxed in the United States, but it would have been impossible for him not to be slightly distracted by his future, which has finally been decided.
Manchester City have claimed the wicket by agreeing a fee of £116million, although that figure has been disputed by sources connected to Nottingham Forest, who have suggested the deal is worth £130m.
Advertisement
Manchester United effectively pulled out of the race to sign Anderson when City’s opening, lofty bid was rejected due to the cost involved. They have since moved on to alternative targets.
United CEO Omar Berrada warned United would move away from targets if the financials didn’t make sense. “We have to be really disciplined, it’s simple. We have a plan, we know what we can invest, and we have to stick to that,” he said on the club’s in-house podcast.
“In some cases, we may decide to make an investment knowing it’s the right thing for not just the next two or three years, but the next 10 years. But clearly, we need to stay very focused on what we’re trying to achieve. It’s very important that you don’t let the market or the agents dictate.”
Advertisement
Anderson is a brilliant player, so he would have been an excellent signing to replace Casemiro, but United cannot be blamed for stepping back from a deal that will see him become the most expensive British player of all time.
The other reason to step away from Anderson, besides the cost involved, was that Mateus Fernandes was viewed as an attainable, quality alternative, with his data from last season comparing well.
Fernandes won more tackles and made more accurate switches of play. He wasn’t far behind Anderson on ground duels won, possessions won, and possessions won in the defensive third.
United sensed an opportunity to sign Fernandes for a fair transfer fee following West Ham’s relegation, but Tottenham have come to the table, a move that has been met with glee from those in the London Stadium boardroom.
Advertisement
Tottenham will put United in a difficult position if they are willing to meet West Ham’s asking price of £85m, which is more than United were hoping to spend on the 21-year-old.
Although United want to remain disciplined in the market, they have to pay up at some stage to avoid missing out on their top targets. The question is: is Fernandes worth a bid of around £85m?
The new financial year for clubs is a week away, meaning cards are about to be played, so it would be a surprise if there wasn’t a meaningful update on Fernandes’ future by this time next week.
It will be fascinating to see how much United are prepared to offer considering Berrada’s warning. United pulled out of the race for Anderson at an early stage, but they may have no choice but to hang in there with Fernandes.
Advertisement
United have a list of midfield alternatives, players who the data department admire, but the further the club works down that list, the lower quality the player is, theoretically. United know they need to cough up at some stage.
The Reds are prepared to spend on a marquee midfield signing, so supporters should not be concerned, but the message from behind the scenes has been consistent: the deal has to be fair value.
The cost involved with Anderson reached a level that United were not comfortable with. If Tottenham are serious about meeting West Ham’s valuation of Fernandes, how United react will be a true test of their disciplined approach.
An £85m fee would historically get you more than a player who has back-to-back relegations on his CV. Fernandes is a talent, and his ceiling is yet to be reached, but that sort of fee highlights the inflation in today’s market.
Advertisement
United could be tempted to look further afield for better value. Germany international Felix Nmecha is on the club’s radar, and Borussia Dortmund have shown a willingness to sell key players in the past.
In an ideal world, United would have had a clear run at Anderson, and would have signed him for a reasonable fee, but the transfer market is never straightforward. The only thing guaranteed is twists and turns.
Trainer Andrew Bobbin is feeling rather astute regarding Miracle Spin’s current form, although he admits it wasn’t always the case.
The Stawell conditioner even questioned if Miracle Spin would indeed have a second preparation with him after a winless three-race spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last finish in the Penshurst Cup.
Bobbin is now grateful for his decision to persevere, as the import has thrived now that softer tracks have arrived and is aiming for a third consecutive victory this Saturday at Caulfield.
The horse, a recent winner of the Casterton Cup (2000m), having previously won over 1800m on the Caulfield Heath track, is set to lead the field in the $80,000 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival Hospitality BM78 Handicap (2000m).
Advertisement
“There were multiple times during the first six or eight weeks with this fellow that I thought maybe we might be looking at rehoming him as a pleasure horse,” Bobbin stated concerning the current campaign.
“But once the softer tracks came around I realised that all his work has to be either done on the heavy sand or in the swimming pool.
“We worked out that the key to him is to just keep the weight off his limbs. I really think that has been the key to getting the best out of him.
“Tried horses all come with their battle scars and it’s all about trying to keep them together, but this horse is moving as well as I’m sure he has for a long time.”
Advertisement
Bobbin also attributed a significant part of the recent wins to the guidance of apprentice jockey Shayleigh Ingelse, but she is currently suspended and unavailable for this weekend’s race.
Harry Coffey has been brought in as a replacement, meaning Miracle Spin must carry its full weight of 60.5kg. The assignment becomes more challenging with barrier 13 in a field of 16.
“The wide gate isn’t ideal, but he is a horse that is fairly tractable and if he can hopefully find a position somewhere on the back of the horses, he should be really strong late.”
Consider the available betting markets for the main race at betting sites.
Peter Snowden is adamant that Touristic is bright and healthy, and he anticipates the horse will prove his fitness at Rosehill, despite a subpar result last start.
Touristic, who began his campaign in the Festival Stakes (1500m) in November, will be making his tenth appearance of the preparation in Saturday’s W J McKell Cup (2000m).
This is a demanding schedule that few horses could handle, but Touristic has thrived, winning the Canberra Cup in March and placing in the January and Gosford Cups.
While he was convincingly beaten in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at his most recent outing, Snowden suggested it was a result of how the race unfolded rather than an indication that the gelding was ready for a spell.
Advertisement
“Things didn’t work out,” Snowden commented. “We’ve learned from that. It’s all about riding him the right way. Ride him to his strengths, and he’ll run really well.”
A six-time winner, Touristic has achieved five of his victories on rain-affected tracks, and Snowden is hopeful that he will encounter suitable conditions on Saturday.
Snowden believes that if the track conditions are to his liking, all signs from the stable point towards a rapid return to form for the seven-year-old.
“I would like to see the track a little wetter, but they are forecasting a few showers on Saturday. A five, six or seven is perfect for him,” he said. “He can turn this around on Saturday, no problem. He loves racing, and he’s in really good shape.”
Advertisement
Following the scratching of Rotagilla, who will instead race in Brisbane, Touristic will face a field of nine rivals. Among them are the 2024 McKell Cup winner Golden Path, the in-form God’s Window, and the improving stayer Tavros, trained by Craig Martin of Tamworth.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login