The 2026 World Cup is entering its round-of-32 knockout stage, and on Wednesday, July 1, the final tournament host will have the chance to reaffirm its status as a favorite. The USA national soccer team will face a combative Bosnia and Herzegovina, a team with a recent history of major upsets, having eliminated Italy from the tournament.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team has been one of the great surprises of the World Cup. While the host nation was the favorite to win Group D, what stood out was the style of play its players displayed.
High pressing, intensity, and a wide variety of attacking movements allowed them to win their first two matches (4-1 against Paraguay and 2-0 against Australia). Although they lost their final group-stage match against Turkey, in which they rotated nine starting players, they have made it clear that they have high ambitions for the remainder of the tournament.
Bosnia, for its part, secured a spot in the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. They drew 1-1 with Canada in their opener, were beaten 4-1 by Switzerland, and won the match they needed to qualify: a 3-1 victory over Qatar on the final matchday of Group B. The objective has been achieved, but Barbarez’s side is aiming for more.
Below is all the key information you need to know before the USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina game. Let’s get into it.
USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kickoff: 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Watch on FOX, Telemundo and fuboTV
The USMNT has a date with history. They are clear favorites in this match, but their record against European teams is not promising. They have lost their last 9 matches against UEFA opponents, most recently against Turkey, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium. One positive note: their last victory against a team from the Old Continent was precisely against Bosnia.
The Balkan side has made history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in their second World Cup appearance. Led by Edin Džeko, their most experienced player and team leader, they are aiming for another major upset.
USA: Team News & Predicted Lineups
Pochettino should return to the starting lineup that beat Paraguay and Australia. The four players who were preserved against Turkey due to suspension risk (Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson) are all available.
Christian Pulisic has trained normally in recent days and should start. Mark McKenzie, Cristian Roldan, and Auston Trusty are the three players doubtful due to physical issues, although none of the three were starters in the base lineup.
Weston McKennie has worn the captain’s armband in all three group-stage matches and remains the axis of the U.S. midfield. The Juventus midfielder has the most expected assists in the tournament (1.54 xA).
USA predicted XI vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Freese;
Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson;
Adams, Tillman;
Dest, McKennie, Pulisic;
Balogun.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Team News & Predicted Lineups
The main uncertainty for Barbarez is right-back Amar Dedić of Benfica, whose availability is in doubt. In case of absence, Amar Memić, who played the third group match, should occupy the position.
Tarik Muharemović, sent off in the match against Switzerland, served his suspension against Qatar and is available for this match. The Sassuolo defender should return to the starting lineup.
Two players not expected to start, but who could have big impacts, Esmir Bajraktarevic and Ermin Mahmic. Bajraktarevic, 21, born in Appleton, Wisconsin, is one of the most interesting figures on the Bosnia national team. The PSV Eindhoven winger converted the decisive penalty against Italy in the playoff and has appeared in all three group matches. Mahmic, also 21, came as a second half substitute in the last two games, scoring twice with absolute screamers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina predicted XI vs. USA:
Vasilj;
Dedić, Katic, Muharemović, Kolasinac;
Memić, Tahirovic, Šunjić, Alajbegovic;
Demirovic, Džeko.
Match prediction: USA 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
