7M - World Cup Preview: Turkey vs USA - prediction, team news, lineups

Co-hosts United States will look to punch their ticket to the round of 32 when they face a desperate Turkey side in a pivotal Group H final matchday clash at PayPal Park in San Jose.

The Stars and Stripes enter the contest with momentum on their side following a gritty 1-0 victory over Tunisia, which successfully revived their campaign after an opening-match 2-1 defeat to Belgium. Sitting on three points, a draw would mathematically put the USMNT in a strong position to advance, but manager Vladan Milojević will undoubtedly target maximum points to secure smooth passage to the knockouts. Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson are expected to carry the creative burden as the Americans look to exploit a vulnerable Turkish backline.

Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, have endured a dismal World Cup campaign so far, collapsing to consecutive defeats against Belgium (1-0) and Tunisia (2-0). Yet to score a single goal in the tournament, the Crescent-Stars find themselves rooted to the bottom of Group H. Despite the bleak outlook, a microscopic mathematical chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams remains, meaning Turkey have no choice but to throw caution to the wind and search for an emphatic victory.

However, Turkey's mandatory offensive approach is expected to play right into the hosts' hands. With dynamic talents like Arda Güler struggling to find their rhythm on the big stage, a desperate, disorganized push forward could leave Montella's side heavily exposed on the counter. Bookmakers and pundits widely back the United States to utilize their home-field advantage and clinical transition play, with a 2-1 victory heavily predicted to seal America's place in the next round while ending Turkey's World Cup journey.