Everything you need to know as the World Cup - including Team USA - sprints toward the knockout rounds

The World Cup is shifting toward the knockout rounds, and the United States is sprinting into Thursday’s final group-stage match against Turkey with momentum and pressure. With little at stake for progression, both teams already know the next steps: the US will play the Round of 32, while Turkey will exit regardless of the result. The game is set for SoFi Stadium in Southern California later today. CNN’s Kyle Feldscher frames the challenge for USMNT as preserving the “World Cup bubble” feeling built by earlier group wins over Paraguay and Australia. A loss—or even a low-scoring draw such as 0-0 or 1-1—could introduce doubt among fans and the squad. The competitive context is an inevitable Round of 32 matchup that can still change.