Preview: USA vs Bosnia – Latest News, Predicted Lineups, Team News | 2026 World Cup (01/07/2026)

Last update at 30 June, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 7 minutes

Round of 32 clash between USA vs Bosnia.

USA vs Bosnia face off in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The United States return to home soil for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on Wednesday night, with a place in the last 16 on the line.

Mauricio Pochettino's side topped Group D with six points from three matches. The co-hosts opened with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, followed that with a 2-0 victory over Australia and then lost 3-2 to Türkiye after already securing progress. It was not a perfect group stage, but the USA did enough to finish first and set up a favourable-looking Round of 32 tie.

Bosnia and Herzegovina have already made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Sergej Barbarez's side finished third in Group B after drawing 1-1 with Canada, losing 4-1 to Switzerland and then beating Qatar 3-1. Four points were enough to send them through as one of the best third-placed teams.

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The United States are expected to restore several key players after rotating against Türkiye. Christian Pulisic Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson were among the players managed carefully during the final group match, with Pochettino keen to protect those carrying yellow cards.

Pulisic is set to return to the starting line-up and remains the player Bosnia must track most closely. Balogun should also come back into the team after an impressive group stage, while Adams' return would give the USA more control and protection in midfield.

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive with belief after their win over Qatar. Edin Džeko remains the emotional and tactical reference point, while Ermedin Demirović gives Barbarez another attacking threat.

United States

Pochettino is expected to return to something close to his strongest XI. Matt Freese has been heavily involved during the tournament and could continue in goal, although Matt Turner remains an experienced option. Chris Richards and Tim Ream should be central to the defensive plan, with Sergiño Dest and Robinson offering attacking width from full-back. In midfield, Adams' return is important, while Weston McKennie provides energy and ball-carrying ability. Mark McKenzie, Cristian Roldan and Auston Trusty have been marked as doubts ahead of the game.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Barbarez is expected to stay close to the structure that secured qualification. Nikola Vasilj should continue in goal, with Kolašinac providing experience in the defensive line. Further forward, Džeko remains the focal point. His hold-up play and aerial presence give Bosnia an outlet when they are under pressure, while Demirović can work around him and attack spaces in transition. Amar Dedic has returned to training after struggling with a thigh injury and remains to be seen if he’ll be back in the starting XI.

Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats

The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina have met three times at senior international level, all in friendlies. The 2013 match in Sarajevo was the most memorable of the three, with Jozy Altidore scoring a hat-trick as the USA came from behind to win 4-3. This will be the first competitive meeting between the nations.

Previous meetings:

18/12/2021: United States 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (International friendly)
28/01/2018: United States 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (International friendly)
14/08/2013: Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-4 United States (International friendly)

Predicted line-ups

The United States should restore their regular starters after rotation against Türkiye, while Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to keep faith with the core of the side that reached the knockout rounds.

Position	–USA	–Bosnia
Goalkeeper	Matt Freese	Nikola Vasilj
Defenders	Alex Freeman Chris Richards Tim Ream Antonee Robinson	Amar Dedić Tarik Muharemović Nikola Katić Sead Kolašinac
Midfielders	Tyler Adams Weston McKennie Malik Tillman	Amar Memić Benjamin Tahirović Ivan Šunjić Kerim Alajbegović
Forwards	Sergiño Dest Folarin Balogun Christian Pulisic	Ermedin Demirović Edin Džeko

Tactical analysis: Can Bosnia slow the American press?

Pochettino's USA are at their best when they play with intensity. The hosts will want to press high, recover the ball quickly and attack before Bosnia can settle into their defensive shape.

Pulisic and Dest give the Americans pace and directness out wide, while Balogun's movement behind the defence should create problems if Bosnia's back line is dragged too high. The return of Adams should also help the USA control transitions more effectively than they did against Türkiye.

Bosnia's best route into the match may be through Džeko. Even now, he remains excellent at bringing others into play, winning aerial duels and slowing the game down when his team need relief. If Demirović can get close to him quickly, Bosnia may be able to trouble the USA on counters and second balls.

Key players to watch

Christian Pulisic (United States)

Pulisic remains the face of the USMNT and the player most capable of deciding this tie. After being managed carefully in the final group match, he is expected to return to the starting XI with fresh legs and a point to prove. Bosnia are likely to defend compactly, so Pulisic's ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances in tight spaces could be decisive. If the USA are to break through early, he will probably be involved. Pulisic to record a goal or assist looks one of the strongest player markets.

Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Džeko remains Bosnia's leader and attacking reference point. His pace has naturally declined, but his intelligence, aerial ability and finishing still make him dangerous in knockout football. The veteran striker scored a hat-trick against the USA in 2013 and will again be central to Bosnia's hopes of frustrating the co-hosts. Džeko to register a shot on target looks more sensible than backing him to score. Bosnia may not create many clear chances, but their best attacking moments are likely to involve him.

Where to watch United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UK and Ireland

United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kicks off at 01:00 BST on Thursday, July 2, at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, also known as Levi's Stadium, in Santa Clara, California.

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with the final broadcaster allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.

In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live on RTÉ and RTÉ Player.

Market insights and probability predictions

The United States enter the tie as clear favourites after winning Group D and playing in front of home support. The current 2026 Worls Cup betting odss imply approximately a 62% chance of a USA win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 16% for Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the draw is rated at roughly 22%. The goals market suggests a fairly open contest. Over 2.5 goals is priced at around 55%, while both teams to score sits close to 51%.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina have already made history and possess enough experience to make this awkward, especially if Džeko can bring others into play and slow the tempo. The USA, however, have more pace, more athleticism and the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd. If Pulisic and Balogun are sharp, Pochettino's side should have enough to move into the last 16.

Prediction: United States 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

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