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Rabat – The United States begin the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday with a Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, knowing any defeat would end their campaign on home soil.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side advanced from the group stage after a strong opening round performance, while Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams following a difficult Group B campaign.
The Americans enter the match looking to end a long winless run against European opposition, while Bosnia hope to continue their surprising World Cup journey after reaching the tournament through the UEFA playoffs.
Match Details
Fixture: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara, California
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026Â
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. local time (PT) / 8:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. GMT (Thursday, July 2)Â
Where to Watch: beIN SPORTS (MENA), FOX & Telemundo (USA), BBC One (UK), SBS (Australia)Â
USA team news
Injuries/Suspensions: The United States have no suspension concerns heading into the knockout stage. Cristian Roldan remains doubtful with a calf injury, while Auston Trusty is also dealing with an ankle issue suffered during the group-stage finale against Turkey.
Recent Form: Mauricio Pochettino rotated several key players during the final group-stage match after qualification had already been secured. The U.S. enters the knockout stage with growing confidence after positive early tournament performances.
Key Players: Christian Pulisic remains the team’s primary attacking threat, while Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected to control midfield. Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson will also provide width from full-back positions.
Likely XI: M. Freese; A. Freeman, C. Richards, T. Ream, A. Robinson; T. Adams, M. Tillman; S. Dest, W. McKennie, C. Pulisic; F. Balogun.
Bosnia and Herzegovina team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Bosnia and Herzegovina enter the match without any major injury concerns or suspensions. Defender Tarik Muharemovic returns after missing the final group-stage match through suspension.
Recent Form: Bosnia advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after navigating a difficult group. The squad remains largely unchanged from the side that defeated Italy on penalties in the UEFA playoff final earlier this year.
Key Players: Veteran striker Edin Dzeko continues to lead the attack at 40 years old alongside Ermedin Demirovic, while Benjamin Tahirovic will play a key role in midfield. Amar Dedic and Sead Kolasinac are also expected to provide experience in defense.
Likely XI: N. Vasilj; A. Dedic, N. Katic, T. Muharemovic, S. Kolasinac; E. Bajraktarevic, B. Tahirovic, I. Basic, K. Alajbegovic; E. Demirovic, E. Dzeko.
What to expectÂ
The United States are expected to dominate possession and rely on quick transitions through Pulisic, Dest, and Balogun to break down Bosnia’s defensive structure.Â
Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, will likely look to stay compact defensively and capitalize on moments in transition through the experience of Dzeko and Demirovic.
Pochettino’s side enters the match as favorites, but Bosnia have already shown resilience throughout qualification and the group stage, particularly during their playoff victory over Italy.
Prediction: USA 3-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
