The United States have already secured top spot in Group D, but Mauricio Pochettino will still expect another polished display when his side face Turkey in Los Angeles on Thursday.

While the Americans can approach the evening with far less pressure than before, Turkey are playing only for pride after consecutive defeats ended their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds. Vincenzo Montella’s side arrived in North America with plenty of outside support, yet two disappointing performances have left them heading for an early flight home.

USA can afford to rotate without lowering expectations

Everything has clicked for the co-hosts so far. After brushing aside Paraguay, the United States followed up with an assured 2-0 victory over Australia, confirming first place with a game to spare and continuing to impress with an aggressive, front-foot style that has become Pochettino’s trademark.

The pressing has been relentless, the transitions sharp and the confidence unmistakable. Rather than sitting back in front of home crowds, the Americans have dictated matches from the opening whistle, scoring inside the first 15 minutes of both group games.

That gives Pochettino a welcome luxury ahead of the final fixture. Several players are carrying yellow cards, while Christian Pulisic has only recently returned from injury, meaning squad management could become just as important as the result itself.

Even with changes, however, the United States possess enough quality to maintain their momentum before the knockout rounds.

Turkey searching for a positive ending

Turkey’s tournament has unravelled surprisingly quickly. Many expected Montella’s talented young squad to emerge as one of the competition’s outsiders, but defeats to Australia and Paraguay exposed familiar shortcomings. Despite enjoying long spells of possession and creating promising situations, they have struggled to convert pressure into clear chances.

That lack of cutting edge has become increasingly costly. Turkey have now gone two World Cup matches without scoring and, unless they respond here, will leave the tournament without a single point.

Montella has publicly backed his players despite the disappointment, insisting this campaign should form part of a longer rebuilding process rather than defining the group. Whether his side can produce one final performance remains to be seen.

Team news

Kenan Yildiz has recovered sufficiently from the calf problem that disrupted his preparations and is expected to feature again, while Hakan Calhanoglu continues to marshal midfield and edges closer to another milestone in Turkey’s all-time scoring charts. Arda Guler should also return to the starting line-up after creating the visitors’ brightest moments earlier in the tournament.

For the United States, Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun could all be protected with the knockout rounds approaching. Even if Pochettino freshens his side, the overall structure is unlikely to change, with the hosts expected to continue pressing high and attacking with purpose.

Verdict

Turkey should play with greater freedom now that qualification is beyond reach, but the United States have looked one of the most cohesive teams in the tournament so far.

Whether Pochettino rotates heavily or only tweaks his starting XI, the hosts have enough depth to maintain their standards. Against a Turkish side short on confidence and goals, another American victory looks the most likely outcome.

Tip: USA to win.