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United States and Turkey Shake Up Lineups in Group D Clash

INGLEWOOD, California, USAFriday, June 26, 2026
The U. S. team sat on the bench for Christian Pulisic, a change that echoed the sweeping lineup swaps by both nations. Both squads made major overhauls: the Americans switched nine players, while Turkey altered seven. Only Ricardo Pepi and Weston McKennie kept their spots from the previous game against Australia, showing a focus on fresh energy. Matt Turner took the goalkeeper role for the U. S. , stepping in for Matt Freese, a move that could boost defensive confidence.
With the U. S. already secured a top spot in their group, the team can experiment without pressure; Turkey, however, faces elimination if results falter. The Turkish lineup featured players such as Ugurcan Cakir and Zeki Celik, aiming to bring new tactics to the field. The U. S. roster included names like Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie, indicating a blend of experience and youth. These changes reflect each country's strategy: the U. S. looks to refine its squad, while Turkey seeks a path out of the group stage.

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