The final matchday of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, delivered high drama on Wednesday, as Turkey claimed a stunning 3-2 victory over the USA in Los Angeles, Australia sealed their place in the last 32 with a goalless draw against Paraguay, and the Netherlands booked their knockout-stage spot as Group F winners with a 3-1 defeat of Tunisia.
At Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, a sold-out crowd witnessed a rollercoaster encounter between two sides with nothing left to play for in the standings — the USA already confirmed as Group D winners and Turkey already eliminated. Auston Trusty, a backup centre-back playing for Scottish club Celtic, opened the scoring inside three minutes, the second-fastest World Cup goal in US history. Turkey responded sharply, with Real Madrid forward Arda Güler — the young Turkish star who had been his side's creative bright spot throughout a difficult tournament — scoring his first World Cup goal to equalise in the 10th minute. A flowing Turkish move then put them ahead through Barış Alper Yılmaz, before Sebastian Berhalter's powerful strike levelled it at 2-2 early in the second half. Christian Pulisic, the USA's most recognisable player, came off the bench to a thunderous reception but could not find the winner. Deep into stoppage time, defender Kaan Ayhan pounced on a rebound to slam in a 3-2 winner, sending the Turkish bench into wild celebration. The US players gathered in a circle after the final whistle, determined to keep spirits high ahead of their round-of-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the parallel Group D match in Santa Clara, California, Australia and Paraguay played out a cautious 0-0 draw that suited both teams. The Socceroos — Australia's national football team — controlled possession and registered more shots, with Jordan Bos going closest late on, but neither side forced the issue. The result sees Australia advance to face the runner-up from the group containing Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, while Paraguay, finishing third with four points, are expected to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
In Group F, the Netherlands — known as Oranje — secured top spot with a 3-1 win over Tunisia, the North African nation making its latest World Cup appearance. Goals from an early own goal by Ellyes Skhiri and Brian Brobbey had the Dutch 2-0 up within seven minutes, before a third was added later. Tunisia pulled one back during spells where the Netherlands, according to coach Ronald Koeman, dropped their defensive intensity. Speaking after the match, Koeman was frank: