Team USA Opens Knockout Stage Against Bosnia and Herzegovina with Quarterfinal Spot on the Line

After winning Group D, Team USA enters the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to put its group-stage finale behind it when it faces Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night in the Round of 32.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad secured victories over Paraguay and Australia before falling 3-2 to Türkiye in a match that had no impact on the Americans’ place atop the group.

For the Americans, much of the focus will be on whether Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna can consistently create scoring chances against a team expected to defend with numbers behind the ball. Pochettino is also expected to return several regular starters after rotating his lineup in the loss to Türkiye.

Betting Odds and World Cup Futures

Sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings have installed Team USA as a solid favorite to advance, reflecting the Americans’ first-place finish in Group D and Bosnia’s status as a third-place qualifier.

Bettors continue to back the United States as one of the tournament’s more intriguing dark horses, though the championship favorites remain the traditional European and South American powers.

Representative Match Odds

Updated World Cup Championship Odds

Representative consensus odds as of June 30. Prices vary by sportsbook and are subject to change.

Game Information

• Match: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Round: Round of 32
• Date: Wednesday, July 1
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Venue: Santa Clara, California
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: FOX Sports app and authenticated streaming services carrying FOX

What to Watch For

• Can Team USA respond after its first loss? The defeat to Türkiye ended the Americans’ unbeaten start but came after first place in the group had already been secured.
• Christian Pulisic’s creativity. The U.S. captain remains the focal point of the attack and will be asked to unlock Bosnia’s compact defense.
• Containing Edin Džeko. The veteran striker remains Bosnia’s biggest scoring threat, particularly on crosses and set pieces.
• Midfield battle. Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna will look to control possession against a Bosnia side content to defend and counter.
• Knockout experience. Bosnia has embraced the underdog role throughout the tournament, while the United States hopes to capitalize on home support and reach the Round of 16.

A victory would keep Team USA’s best World Cup run in more than two decades alive and move the Americans one step closer to a potential quarterfinal appearance.

With several tournament favorites already eliminated, the knockout bracket has become increasingly open, giving the United States an opportunity to build momentum if it can take care of business Wednesday night.