The United States will look to make full use of home support when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in a Round of 32 showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, with a place in the last 16 on the line at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side topped Group D after a strong start to the tournament, while Bosnia-Herzegovina progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, setting up a first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations.
Match Preview
United States men’s national soccer team arrive in the knockout stage with momentum after a strong group campaign that showcased both attacking quality and resilience.
The Stars and Stripes opened their tournament with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay, followed by a controlled 2-0 victory against Australia, sealing qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare. Although they fell 3-2 to Turkey in their final group match, six points were enough to secure top spot in Group D.
With players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun in form, the USA will be confident of continuing their deep tournament push on home soil.
Historically, the USA have enjoyed notable World Cup success, including a third-place finish in 1930, a quarter-final appearance in 2002, and multiple Round of 16 runs in recent editions.
Their opponents, Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, arrive in the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history, marking a significant milestone for the nation.
Sergej Barbarez’s side finished third in Group B with four points, following a mixed but ultimately successful group-stage campaign. They drew 1-1 with Canada, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, and sealed qualification with a crucial 3-1 win over Qatar.
This progression represents a major achievement for Bosnia-Herzegovina, who had failed to qualify for the last two World Cups after a group-stage exit in 2014.
Led by veteran striker Edin Džeko, they will look to defy expectations once again in Santa Clara.
Team News
The USA have a few fitness concerns, with Christian Roldan, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty all being assessed ahead of kickoff. However, the core of the squad remains intact.
Pochettino is expected to field a strong XI, with Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Christian Pulisic all set to start. Folarin Balogun, who has already scored twice at the tournament, will lead the attack.
For Bosnia-Herzegovina, Amar Dedić is a doubt due to a thigh issue, but otherwise Barbarez has a full squad available. Tarik Muharemović returns from suspension and is expected to start in defence, while Edin Džeko will once again spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
USA: Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Vasilj; Dedić, Katić, Muharemović, Kolašinac; Bajraktarević, Šunjić, Basić, Alajbegović; Džeko, Demirović
Form Guide
- USA World Cup form: WWL
- USA form (all competitions): LWLWWL
- Bosnia-Herzegovina World Cup form: DLW
- Bosnia-Herzegovina form (all competitions): WDDDLW
Head-to-Head & Tactical View
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations, adding extra intrigue to an already high-pressure knockout tie.
The USA are expected to dominate possession and rely on their pace in wide areas, while Bosnia-Herzegovina will look to stay compact and hit on the counter through Džeko and Demirović.
Prediction
Bosnia-Herzegovina have shown they can be dangerous in moments, but the USA’s depth, attacking quality, and home advantage should make the difference in a tight contest.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
