Kaan Ayhan
Turkish international centre-back for Galatasaray; scored a 98th-minute winner against the USA at the 2026 World Cup.
Last refreshed: 27 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How did Kaan Ayhan's injury-time winner reshape the 2026 World Cup group-stage narrative?
Timeline for Kaan Ayhan
Forced in a 98th-minute winner from a goalmouth scramble to give Turkey a 3-2 victory over the USA
2026 FIFA World Cup: USA top group despite Turkey lossWho scored the winning goal for Turkey against the USA at the 2026 World Cup?
Why was Turkey eliminated from the 2026 World Cup despite beating the USA?
Background
Kaan Ayhan scored a 98th-minute winner as Turkey beat the United States 3-2 on 25 June, a result that changed nothing in the standings because the USMNT had already won Group D and Turkey were already eliminated. The late goal was a rare highlight in a tournament Turkey leave at the group stage.
Born in Gelsenkirchen on 10 November 1994 to a Turkish family, Ayhan came through the Schalke 04 academy before playing for Fortuna Düsseldorf and Sassuolo in Serie A, then joining Galatasaray in 2023. He has won three consecutive Süper Lig titles with the Istanbul club between 2023 and 2025, alongside Turkish Cup and Super Cup honours.
A right-footed centre-back who can also play in midfield, Ayhan made his Turkey debut in 2016 and featured at UEFA Euro 2024. With more than 380 career appearances, he is an experienced squad defender for the national team at his first World Cup.
What club does Kaan Ayhan play for?
