FIFA Word Cup 2026: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Live Details, Preview, Lineups
| FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | |
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
| Match: | USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Tournament: | FIFA 2026 |
| Match Date: | July 2 2026 |
| Match Time: | 5:30 a.m. Indian Time (UTC +5:30) |
| Stadium: | - |
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Preview: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a crucial Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The co-hosts enter the knockout stage as favourites after winning Group D, but Bosnia arrive with history on their side as they prepare for their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Match Details
Match: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Round of 32
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Kickoff: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET / 00:00 GMT, Thursday
India Time: 5:30 AM IST, Thursday, July 2
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Live TV/Streaming: FOX, Peacock and Telemundo in the United States; local broadcast details vary by country.
Match Preview
The USA reached the Round of 32 by finishing top of Group D with six points. Their group-stage campaign began with a strong 4-1 win over Paraguay, followed by a 2-0 victory against Australia, before a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in their final group game. U.S. Soccer noted that the team scored a USMNT-record eight goals during the group stage, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Gio Reyna, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter and Auston Trusty also contributing.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B with four points. Their results included a 1-1 draw with Canada, a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and a 3-1 win over Qatar. That was enough to send the Dragons through as one of the best third-placed teams, making this their first knockout-stage appearance at a World Cup.
The USA will feel pressure as hosts, especially because this is a match they are expected to win. However, Bosnia have already shown resilience in qualifying and the group stage, and their physical style makes them a dangerous knockout opponent. Al Jazeera reported that Bosnia have the tallest squad at the tournament on average and have scored three goals from corners, which makes set pieces a major threat for the American defence.
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Team News
Christian Pulisic could return to the USA starting lineup after dealing with a calf issue earlier in the tournament. He came off the bench against Türkiye and is expected to be close to full fitness for the knockout clash. Cristian Roldan has been dealing with a slight injury, while Pochettino is expected to bring back several key starters after rotating heavily in the final group match.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, no major injuries have been reported. Edin Džeko remains the captain and main attacking reference point, while Ermedin Demirović, Esmir Bajraktarević and Kerim Alajbegović are expected to play important attacking roles.
Predicted USA Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to return to his strongest lineup after resting key players against Türkiye. Matt Freese is likely to start in goal, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream in central defence. Tyler Adams should anchor midfield, while Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Bosnia and Herzegovina Lineup
Formation: 4-4-2
Bosnia and Herzegovina XI: Vasilj; Dedić, Katić, Muharemović, Kolašinac; Bajraktarević, Bašić, Šunjić, Alajbegović; Demirović, Džeko.
Bosnia are expected to stay compact and direct. Nikola Vasilj should continue in goal, while Sead Kolašinac brings experience on the left side of defence. In attack, Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović give Bosnia a physical strike partnership, with Bajraktarević and Alajbegović offering energy from midfield and wide areas.
Key Players to Watch
Christian Pulisic, USA: Pulisic remains the biggest attacking name for the hosts. If he is fit enough to start, his movement from the left and ability to create chances in tight spaces could be decisive.
Folarin Balogun, USA: Balogun scored twice in the group stage and gives the USA a sharp central threat. His runs behind Bosnia’s defence will be one of the key attacking routes.
Edin Džeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina: At 40, Džeko remains Bosnia’s captain, leader and all-time great. His aerial presence, hold-up play and finishing make him the player the USA must manage carefully.
Esmir Bajraktarević, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The American-born winger adds an extra storyline to this game. His pace and direct style could trouble the USA if Bosnia win the ball in transition.
Tactical Battle
The USA will look to control possession, attack with width and press Bosnia high up the pitch. Pochettino’s side have started matches quickly in this tournament, and another early goal would help settle nerves in front of a home crowd. U.S. Soccer reported that the Americans scored three goals in the first 15 minutes of first halves during the group stage, more than any other team in that phase.
Bosnia’s best chance may come from set pieces and direct attacks. Their height, physical strength and Džeko’s penalty-box presence make them dangerous from corners and wide free kicks. If they can slow the game down and keep the score level deep into the match, the pressure could shift heavily onto the USA.
The midfield duel will be crucial. Adams and Tillman must protect the USA back line while allowing McKennie and Pulisic to attack between the lines. Bosnia, meanwhile, will need Bašić and Šunjić to deny central space and stop the hosts from building rhythm.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the fourth meeting between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USMNT are unbeaten in the previous meetings, and U.S. Soccer lists the Americans with a 3W-0L-1D record against Bosnia. Their most recent match came in December 2021, when the USA won 1-0 in Carson, California.
Prediction
The USA have more depth, home advantage and stronger attacking form, but Bosnia’s physicality and set-piece threat make this a dangerous knockout tie. The hosts should edge the game if Pulisic, Balogun and McKennie find space early.
Predicted Score: USA 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The USA are favourites to advance, but Bosnia have enough attacking experience to make this a tense Round of 32 contest.
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