Group winners USA face a resilient Bosnia-Herzegovina side in the World Cup last 32. Can the Americans overcome their knockout-stage demons against a team that stunned Qatar?
The United States enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage as Group A winners, but their path to the last 16 has been anything but smooth. A shock 2-3 defeat to Turkey in their opener raised eyebrows, but Gregg Berhalter's side responded emphatically with a 2-0 win over Australia and a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay to top the group with six points and a +4 goal difference. Now, they face a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that scraped through as one of the best third-placed finishers, showing grit to beat Qatar 3-1 before a heavy 1-4 loss to Switzerland and a creditable 1-1 draw with Canada. This is a classic contrast between a high-pressing, athletic American outfit and a battle-hardened Bosnian side that thrives on counter-attacks and set pieces.
Summary
This last-32 tie pits a USA side brimming with young talent against a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that has overachieved to reach this stage. The Americans, buoyed by home support, will look to dominate possession and use their pace out wide. Bosnia, meanwhile, will rely on their defensive organization and the individual brilliance of their key players to spring surprises. With both teams having shown vulnerabilities—USA's defensive lapses against Turkey and Bosnia's heavy loss to Switzerland—this match promises goals and drama.
Team News & Form
United States: Berhalter has a full-strength squad to choose from. Christian Pulisic has been in scintillating form, scoring twice in the group stage, while Folarin Balogun leads the line with three goals. The midfield trio of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Tyler Adams provides energy and creativity. Defensively, the partnership of Chris Richards and Tim Ream has been solid, though the 2-3 loss to Turkey exposed gaps. Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson offer attacking thrust from full-back.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Coach Ivaylo Petev has no major injury concerns. Edin Džeko, now 40, remains the talisman and scored in the win over Qatar. Miralem Pjanić orchestrates play from midfield, while Ermedin Demirović provides a youthful spark. The defense, marshaled by Sead Kolašinac, has been leaky, conceding four against Switzerland. Bosnia will likely sit deep and look to hit on the break.
Key Players
Christian Pulisic (USA): The AC Milan winger is USA's creative heartbeat. His dribbling, vision, and goal threat make him the primary danger. Bosnia will double-team him, but his ability to drift inside could unlock their defense.
Edin Džeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina): The veteran striker defies age with his hold-up play and aerial prowess. Despite limited service, he remains a constant threat. USA's center-backs must be wary of his movement in the box.
Predicted Lineups
United States (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Richards, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Pulisic, Balogun, Weah.
Bosnia-Herzegovina (4-4-2): Šehić; Kolašinac, Ahmedhodžić, Barišić, Dedić; Pjanić, Cimirot, Gojak, Stevanović; Džeko, Demirović.
Key Battles
USA's high press vs Bosnia's deep block: The Americans will try to win the ball high up the pitch, but Bosnia's compact shape could frustrate them. If USA fail to score early, Bosnia's confidence will grow.
Pulisic vs Kolašinac: The duel on USA's left flank is crucial. Kolašinac's physicality versus Pulisic's agility—if the American gets past him, he can create havoc.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met only once before, in a 2018 friendly, which ended 0-0. That result offers little insight, but it suggests Bosnia can stifle USA's attack. In tournament football, past meetings often matter less than current form and tactical setups.
Score Prediction
USA's superior depth, home advantage, and momentum from two group wins should see them through, but Bosnia's resilience and Džeko's threat mean it won't be straightforward. Expect a tense affair with the Americans eventually breaking through. Prediction: United States 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 00:00 UTC on July 2, 2026. In the USA, it will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and streamed on Fubo. UK viewers can watch on ITV and BBC. Check local listings for other territories. For more fixtures and standings, visit our dedicated World Cup hub.
