US players insist momentum remains with them despite late loss to Turkey

<p>The US were on the verge of an encouraging draw in a meaningless game, but they insist that losing to Turkey changes nothing about what’s to come</p><p>Throughout the week preceding the United States’ final group game, the matchup with Turkey was discussed as something of a formality. The new World Cup format made it impossible to begin speculation on a possible opponent until the third wave of matches kicked off on Wednesday, but the co-hosts’ place in the round of 32 was already secure.</p><p>There were ample questions about how much Mauricio Pochettino would (and should) rotate. Christian Pulisic’s every movement, including whether or not he was donning a sleeve on his calf, was closely scrutinized. The atmosphere around training was light and jovial, a rare “eye of the hurricane” moment where the intensity seemed to wane and positivity permeated every corner of the team’s camp in Irvine.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/26/usmnt-turkey-momentum">Continue reading...</a>