- Turkey have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
- The USA have two wins and three defeats from their last five games in all competitions.
- Kenan Yıldız has been a threat for Turkey with his pace and ability to get into advanced positions.
Turkey to make USA pay for over-committing
Turkey hold third spot in FIFA World Cup Group D and face group leaders USA, who have three points on the board after their opening match, in what should be an exciting game on Friday. This match has drawn lots of attention, and the Turkey vs USA preview highlights the contrasting approaches of both sides. The two teams have contrasting styles with Turkey preferring to play the ball out from the back and have a possession-based approach with the double pivot and a creative central playmaker in behind the main striker.
Vincenzo Montella has brought structure to this side since he took over as manager in September 2023, but Turkey have enough of a creative spark to make them a threat with the likes of Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler trying to open up defenses.
Pochettino has USA playing on the front foot
Mauricio Pochettino has instilled an aggressive, high-pressing identity on the USA since taking over in September 2024 and they play on the attack, pressing high up the field, looking to win the ball back and push forward at pace. That should ensure both teams play an attacking match with USA looking to overrun the Turkish defense and Pulisic playing as a hub of creativity from wide areas, much as he did in Dortmund and Chelsea. Our Turkey vs USA prediction is that this tactical battle should result in plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for both nations.
Draw could be the best play in Group D
The USA are favourites to win at 2.5 and Turkey are close behind at 2.65, but the draw looks the best option here at 3.65.
Both sides have young stars that will be hoping to shine on the biggest stage of all, so motivation will be high and this is a big game for both nations in the group.
The USA are coming into this off the back of a 4-1 win over Paraguay in their group opener and Folarin Balogun looks to be in hot streak after notching two of those four goals.
Turkey will be looking to build on their all-competition four wins in five matches that have seen them beat Venezuela 2-1 away from home in their most recent friendly.
According to our Turkey vs USA prediction, history favors a close contest as Turkey beat the USA 2-1 away from home in a friendly a year ago, so should have enough to hold the Stars and Stripes to a draw in this group stage showdown. The Turkey vs USA betting tips suggest backing both teams to score at 1.64 as a much better alternative to the moneyline markets in this clash, however.
