7M - World Cup 2026 Preview: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina - prediction, team news, lineups

A thrilling knockout stage encounter is on the horizon at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara on Wednesday, as Group D winners USA prepare to face a historic Bosnia and Herzegovina side in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino's American squad aims to make the most of their home advantage, while the Dragons enter high on confidence after reaching the knockout phase of a major tournament for the very first time.

Form Guide and Recent Performances

The United States navigated their group stage by claiming the top spot in Group D. After securing back-to-back victories over Paraguay and Australia, the Stars and Stripes suffered a minor setback in their final match, falling 3-2 to Turkey in a dramatic encounter. However, with Pochettino opting to field a heavily rotated lineup for that game, his core starters are fully refreshed and primed for the high stakes of knockout football.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's journey to the round of 32 represents a monumental success story for the nation, which had failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups. After kicking off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Canada and suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Switzerland, Sergej Barbarez's men bounced back in style, clinching a crucial 3-1 victory over Qatar to advance as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Tactical Highlights and Fixture Pressure

Wednesday's match marks the first-ever competitive fixture between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with their three previous encounters all coming in international friendlies. History favors the co-hosts slightly, as Bosnia and Herzegovina have lost two of those three games, including a 1-0 defeat when they last crossed paths in December 2021.

Tactically, the USA will lean heavily on their fluid right-sided attacking combinations to stretch Bosnia's deep defensive block. While Pochettino's team has looked clinical going forward—scoring inside the opening 11 minutes of all three group stage matches—they remain susceptible to quick transitions. Bosnia and Herzegovina will look to exploit this with their direct and ambitious style, using their experienced front line to invite pressure before seeking out the legendary Edin Dzeko as an aerial outlet.

Team News and Potential Lineups

The USA will conduct late fitness checks on Christian Roldan (muscle), Mark McKenzie (foot), and Auston Trusty (ankle) before finalizing their matchday squad. Aside from these concerns, the co-hosts boast a clean bill of health. Key figures such as Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, and captain Christian Pulisic—who recently became the country's all-time leader in World Cup assists—are all set to return to the starting XI. Up front, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun will spearhead the attack after netting twice in the group stage.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, fullback Amar Dedic is a major doubt due to a thigh problem. On a brighter note, 23-year-old defender Tarik Muharemovic returns to selection after serving a one-match suspension following a red card against Switzerland. In the final third, 40-year-old national icon Edin Dzeko is expected to start alongside Ermedin Demirovic, who has already committed eight fouls at this tournament. Teenager Kerim Alajbegovic will be relied upon to provide creativity from midfield.

USA possible starting lineup:
Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun 

Bosnia and Herzegovina possible starting lineup:
Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Sunjic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Dzeko, Demirovic 

Score Prediction: USA 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina possess the experience and physical presence up front to make this a highly competitive and uncomfortable assignment for the co-hosts. However, the USA's superior squad depth, tactical cohesion down the flanks, and the passionate backing of a home crowd should ultimately carry them through.