The 2026 World Cup group stage wasn’t predictable. Sure, favorites have dominated at the top of every group, but there’s been a lot of unforeseen outcomes. Who could have guessed that Cape Verde and DR Congo would get draws against Spain and Portugal,

The USMNT is having a tough time vs. Turkey in their 2026 World Cup group stage finale, but their backups started since the round of 32 is a lock.

Associated Press photojournalist Marcio Sanchez was one of the many people anticipating that Christian Pulisic would be involved in scoring opportunities when he got on the field for the U.S. Sanchez was ready when Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir denied Pulisic a scoring opportunity during the second half of the USA's 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday night.

DaMarcus Beasley breaks down the USMNT's defeat to Turkey, telling Lori Lindsey and Jon Arnold why he believes there's no reason to panic.

The third and final matches of group play take place on Friday for Groups G, H, I, and with France and Spain as part of those quartets and looking to secure the top spot in their groups heading into the knockout round,