Newsletters
Türkiye's national football team secured a 2-1 victory over the United States in a friendly match Saturday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, with goals from Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu leading the comeback win.
The match served as preparation for Türkiye's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in September. The Turkish squad, known as "A Milli Takim," faced the tournament's co-host nation in what coach Vincenzo Montella used as a key test ahead of competitive fixtures.
The United States took an early lead in the second minute when Jack McGlynn found the net with a left-footed strike from a right-wing attack. Türkiye responded with sustained pressure, nearly equalizing in the 19th minute when Arda Guler's attempt from close range sailed over the crossbar after Kenan Yildiz's cross from the left flank.
Türkiye's equalizer came in the 25th minute through a defensive error by the American backline. Guler capitalized on the mistake, with the ball deflecting off him and finding the net to level the score at 1-1.
The winning goal arrived just two minutes later in the 27th minute. Following a left-wing attack, the ball ricocheted to the back post where Oguz Aydin's shot was blocked by the defense. Kerem Akturkoglu pounced on the rebound to give Türkiye a 2-1 advantage they would maintain through the remainder of the match.
Italian coach Vincenzo Montella made several notable selections for the friendly. Berke Ozer was given the opportunity in goal, while Caglar Soyuncu wore the captain's armband in the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu, who was not included in the squad due to injury.
The starting eleven featured Berke Ozer, Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Caglar Soyuncu, Eren Elmali, Orkun Kokcu, Ismail Yuksek, Oguz Aydin, Kerem Akturkoglu, Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Among the substitutes, Demir Ege Tiknaz earned his first inclusion in a match squad after being called up to the national team for the second time.
Turkish supporters traveled in significant numbers to support their team at the Connecticut venue, maintaining their presence despite heavy rainfall during the match. The Turkish fans occupied their designated section and were also scattered throughout areas designated for American supporters, creating a notable atmosphere for the away fixture.
Türkiye will continue their preparations with a match against Mexico scheduled for Wednesday.
4 min read
