Türkiye Stuns USA as World Cup Surprises Continue

As the FIFA World Cup group stage nears its conclusion, unexpected results continue to reshape the tournament. Already eliminated Türkiye delivered one of the biggest surprises of the competition, defeating co-host and group leader USA with a dramatic late goal. Ecuador stunned Germany, while Senegal revived its hopes of reaching the knockout stage with a commanding victory over Iraq.

Türkiye secured its first and only win of the tournament with a 3-2 victory over the United States before exiting the competition. Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1, Senegal routed Iraq 5-0, and France remained unbeaten with a 4-1 victory over Norway.

After losing its opening two matches and failing to earn a point, Senegal responded emphatically in its final group game. The five-goal victory over Iraq erased its negative goal difference and kept alive its hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Building on the positive stretches it displayed against France despite defeat, Senegal produced an attacking performance against an Iraq side that played with 10 men for more than 75 minutes following an early red card. The result significantly improved Senegal’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

France completed a perfect group-stage campaign by defeating Norway 4-1 for its third consecutive victory. At the same time, the match between Senegal and Iraq carried added significance, as Senegal needed a convincing win to improve its goal difference. It delivered exactly that.

Despite Norway’s loss to France, Ismaila Sarr provided a bright spot with a two-goal performance. Norway also found encouragement through Ibrahim Mbaye’s goal against France, demonstrating its ability to challenge one of the tournament’s strongest teams.

Although France claimed another comfortable victory, defensive lapses allowed Norway to create several opportunities. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a series of important saves before leaving the match with an injury after an hour.

In the simultaneous match, Senegal entered knowing only a comprehensive victory over Iraq would keep its hopes alive. The African side capitalized after Iraq was reduced to 10 players when Rebin Suleka received a red card in the 13th minute.

With a numerical advantage and aware that goal difference could prove decisive, Senegal attacked relentlessly. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Ismaila Sarr added another in the 56th minute. Pape Gueye struck twice in the 59th and 71st minutes, while L. Nidaya completed the scoring in the 82nd minute.

Senegal controlled the match from start to finish, allowing Iraq few opportunities and rarely permitting its opponents to threaten its goal as it secured a victory that kept its World Cup campaign alive.

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