The United States men's national soccer team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a must-win FIFA World Cup Round of 32 knockout match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The match kicks off at 8 p. m.
ET.
The Americans are aiming for their first World Cup knockout round victory since 2002. They also seek to defeat a European opponent for the first time since 2021.
According to USA Today, the U. S.
squad topped its group for the first time since 2010.
They secured dominant victories against Paraguay and Australia before losing to Turkey in the final group stage game.
Pochettino Calls Match a 'Final'
U. S.
coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of the upcoming matchup on Tuesday. "For us, it's the final of the World Cup," Pochettino said.
"If we don't think in this way, we are going to struggle."
The American squad expects a fully healthy starting lineup. Star winger Christian Pulisic is returning after recovering from a calf injury.
Pulisic missed the Australia game but returned as a substitute against Turkey. "I felt great in the game against Turkey, so I'm feeling good this week," Pulisic said.
"I'm definitely ready to go for tomorrow."
Goalkeeper Matt Freese will face heightened scrutiny during the knockout rounds. He allowed only one goal during the first two group stage matches.
The winner of Wednesday's match advances to the round of 16. They will play against either Belgium or Senegal.
Bosnia and Herzegovina entered the tournament after an upset playoff victory over Italy in March.
They advanced from Group B with four points after drawing with Canada, losing to Switzerland, and defeating Qatar.
Bosnian coach Sergej Barbarez commented on winger Esmir Bajraktarević, an American-born player who chose to represent Bosnia. "He can feel the jersey he's wearing.
It means very much to him," Barbarez said. "He knows where he belongs.
He knows which team he plays for. He knows where his parents come from."
The match will be broadcast in English on Fox and the FOX One App, and in Spanish on Telemundo.
Streaming is available via Fubo.
