USA vs Turkey Tips, Prediction & Odds: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this was written.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the venue as the USA host Turkey in their last Group D game, starting at 04:00 CAT on Friday. Mauricio Pochettino's team have already topped the group and secured a knockout spot, while Turkey are out and playing for little more than pride. For all our World Cup betting tips, take a look at our dedicated section.

USA

The United States have been the big headline in Group D, clinching first place with a 4-1 win against Paraguay and a 2-0 success over Australia, and I think Pochettino will make plenty of changes here. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson are each a yellow card away from a ban for the round of 32, so I expect several of them to be rested or given limited minutes. Christian Pulisic is still nursing the hamstring strain that ruled him out against Australia, so I doubt he will start. Ricardo Pepi should lead the line in a heavily changed team with not much at stake.

Expected Lineup: Freese; Freeman, Dest, Ream, McKenzie; Adams, Tillman; Trusty, Mckennie, Pepi; Wright.

Turkey

Turkey were the first team knocked out of the tournament after losing 1-0 to a Paraguay side down to ten men, on a night when they had 32 attempts and failed to score. I think that wastefulness sums up their World Cup, and Vincenzo Montella must now motivate a gifted squad with nothing to play for. I expect him to give more starts to young players like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, who has fully shaken off a calf injury. With Hakan Calhanoglu still running the midfield, Turkey have enough quality to trouble a rotated USA team.

Expected Lineup: Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Akguz, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu

With first place wrapped up, I expect Pochettino to clear his bench and shield the players on yellow cards, which gives Turkey the chance to play without pressure. Montella's team have enough attacking talent to exploit a patched up American defence, and I can see both sides scoring in an open game. My forecast: USA 1 Turkey 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.66)

My pick is both teams to score, as I think a much changed USA team will be less secure at the back than the likely group winners have been up to now. Turkey had 32 chances last time out and will score sooner or later if they keep creating at that rate. With the Americans still dangerous through Pepi and Weah, 1.66 on both teams scoring is where the value lies for me.