If you prefer following a match that has implications for advancement, consider joining Jonathan Howcroft for the Australia-Paraguay coverage.
However, you can open multiple tabs if you wish to keep track of both games. If you’re using the mobile app, just set your browser to the game you can’t access on the app and switch back and forth.
Thanks to Jonathan for referencing the entertaining Jose Luis Chilavert.
“I am so happy and proud of the USMNT performance so far. It has been so much better than I expected. I understand why Poch is doing the believe routine. But really folks, Spain, France, Argentina even Portugal and England are a step above us in quality. We would probably have to beat at least 2 of those teams to win the trophy. I just can’t see it.”
Despite this, the USA has a history of either beating or drawing against England in World Cup matches, and England has a tendency to struggle in penalty shootouts.
My bracket prediction has France defeating Argentina in the final, while Spain takes on England for third place. However, I could easily see Mexico eliminating England in the round of 16.
If you wish to play around with potential matchups, feel free to do so.
Fans are filling the stands at Los Angeles Stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, the palpable lack of tension is noteworthy; the US has already secured their place as group winners, a fact well understood by the crowd, and Pochettino’s lineup reflects that.
Yet, there’s a notable absence of Christian Pulisic. The only two players remaining from the Australia match are Weston McKennie, who will serve as captain, and Ricardo Pepi, who is stepping in for the injured Pulisic.
Turkey has made seven changes to their lineup, which are highlighted in italics below.
USA: Turner; Trusty, Robinson, McKenzie, Scally; Reyna, McKennie, Berhalter; Pepi, Aaronson, Weah
Turkey: Çakır; Çelik, Elmali, Bardakcı, Kabak; Özcan, Kökçü; Güler, Yıldız, Alper Yılmaz, Aydin
The promising start of the USA has ignited a rare sense of hope among the nation’s 342 million citizens.
It’s not merely that they have triumphed in their initial two contests; it’s that they have done so convincingly while several traditional favorites have stumbled. Spain managed a draw against Cape Verde, and England failed to overcome Ghana.
Nevertheless, both France and Argentina have shown strong performances, and Mexico, as another host nation, is also in good form.
Interestingly, the USA is likely to avoid those teams for the time being.
In the round of 32, they will encounter a team that finished third in their group—most likely Bosnia at this juncture. Should they win, they would then face either the group winner (probably Egypt, but potentially Iran) or another third-place team. The most probable quarterfinal opponent would be Spain—a favorite, yes, but still a team that drew against Cape Verde.
Meanwhile, in another part of the bracket, Mexico might face England in the round of 16, while France would likely need to contend with both Germany and the Netherlands to reach the semifinals.
The 48-team format has been somewhat justified by the impressive performances of underdog teams, but the draw has certainly been unusual.
However, the USA will not be troubled if they advance smoothly to the quarterfinals. That said, nothing is guaranteed; despite their impressive play, they could still fall to Bosnia or Egypt. (Can you even envision a matchup against Iran?)
Also aiming for a knockout round spot is the referee, Mustapha Ghorbal. He is joined by fellow Algerians Mokrane Gourari and Abbes Akram Zerhouni as part of the officiating crew.
The UAE contributes fourth official Omar Al Ali and reserve official Mohammed Alhammadi.
Watching from a monitor will be VAR official Antonio Garcia from Uruguay, along with Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt) and Juan Lara (Chile).
Earlier today, the USA faced a setback in the round of 32 predictions when Tori Penso made two contentious decisions in the Ecuador-Germany match. Prior to that, she had successfully officiated the Czechia-South Africa game. Armando Villarreal received notable critiques for his officiating, as Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz remarked that the US referee must have taken a coffee break instead of suggesting a review for a potential foul when England’s Ezri Konzi collided with Prince Adu in the penalty area.
Ismail Elfath advanced to the round of 16 in 2022 and will officiate for the second time in this tournament when Uruguay meets Spain in a match that many casual fans have likely marked as one to watch.
Ghorbal is also taking charge of his second match, having issued four yellow cards in Scotland’s narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti.
And let’s not forget about Peter Oh and the witty remarks he may provide during the match.
We should also take a look at the race for the Golden Boot, currently led by Own Goal, who is far ahead of the competition. I hear Liverpool is now offering 100 million Euros, though they seem uncertain about how to process the transaction.
Now, let’s delve into some key points to keep an eye on:
1. Is Christian Pulisic fully recovered? While this may not be answered in this match, a solid 45-60 minutes would ease some fans’ concerns. 2. Will we witness the Great Gio Reyna Breakout Game? The controversies of prior years seem to be behind him.
3. Mauricio Pochettino is likely to rest four players who are on yellow cards. These players are crucial to the team’s success: left back Antonee Robinson, center back Chris Richards, midfield linchpin Tyler Adams, and striker Folarin Balogun. While they should return for the round of 32, it remains to be seen if anyone will claim the first bench spot.
4. Will Turkey come out fighting, eager to salvage something from this tournament, or will they simply be ready to head to LAX and board their flight home?
Beau will be joining soon. In the meantime, here’s an update from Graham Ruthven’s daily watch guide on what to expect from this Group D clash:
What to Watch For
Few teams have navigated their opening two matches of this World Cup as comfortably as the USA. On paper, Thursday’s matchup with Turkey seemed to present their most significant challenge when Group D was drawn. However, with Turkey already eliminated, the outcome of this match is uncertain.
Turkey’s early exit from the tournament was unexpected, particularly given that Vincenzo Montella’s team ranks 11th out of 48 for expected goals (xG) and 10th for big chances created. They may channel their frustration against the co-hosts in Los Angeles before heading home.
Player to keep an eye on: Ricardo Pepi, USA – Pochettino might adjust his lineup for this inconsequential match and start Ricardo Pepi, giving the PSV forward a chance to showcase his skills and justify his position ahead of Folarin Balogun in the team’s hierarchy.
- World Cup 2026
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