World Cup 2026 co-hosts USA will be hoping that home advantage plays a major part in their last-32 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, California.
The Stars and Stripes finished at the top of Group D to punch a spot to the knockout round, while the Dragons advanced as one of the best third-placed finishers at the tournament.
USA were highly impressive in their opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup, beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0 in order to secure their spot in the last-32 stage of the tournament with a match to spare.
Mauricio Pochettino's side did lose 3-2 to Turkey in their final group-stage fixture on June 25, but six points from three matches proved to be enough to top the group, two points ahead of both second-placed Australia and third-placed Paraguay.
USA have displayed both attacking quality and defensive organisation throughout the tournament, highlighting their credentials as potential contenders to progress deep into the knockout rounds. Their strong performance at home has been particularly encouraging, and this match presents a valuable opportunity to take advantage of familiar conditions once again.
Bosnia-Herzegovina have reached the knockout stage in what has already been a highly successful tournament for the nation. After finishing third in Group B, their four-point tally proved enough to see them progress as one of the best third-placed sides.
Their campaign has included a mix of results. A draw against Canada was followed by a heavy defeat to Switzerland, but a crucial 3–1 victory over Qatar ensured qualification. That resilience has been a defining feature of their run so far.
Bosnia are a tough side to break down. It took a red card for Switzerland to start causing the Dragons real problems, with three of the Swiss' four goals coming after Muharemovic's dismissal.
USA have looked lively going forward, which is what to expect with Pochettino in charge. The Stars and Stripes have a lot of good attacking players who can cause a lot of trouble for Bosnia's back line.
These two sides have only locked horns on three previous occasions, all of which have been friendlies, so history will be made when they meet in their first-ever competitive match.
Team News
USA need to make checks on Christian Roldan (muscle), Mark McKenzie (foot) and Auston Trusty (ankle) before their final squad for the match can be confirmed.
However, no further issues have been reported to any of the nation's key players, with the likes of Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie all set to be in the starting side.
Folarin Balogun, who is being backed for a big-money transfer away from Monaco this summer, has scored twice at the competition thus far and will again lead the USA line.
USA possible starting lineup: Freese; Freeman, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun
As for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Amar Dedic (thigh) is viewed as a doubt at this stage of proceedings, but the Dragons are otherwise in strong shape in terms of their squad.
Tarik Muharemovic missed the clash with Qatar last time out following a red card against Switzerland, but the 23-year-old is back for this one and should start.
Edin Dzeko has not scored in his two appearances at the 2026 World Cup, but the 40-year-old, who has 73 strikes for his country in total, is in line to feature in the final third of the field.
Bosnia-Herzegovina possible starting lineup: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Sunjic, Basic, Alajbegovic; Dzeko, Demirovic
kick off ; 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, 3:00 a.m on Wednesday, East African Time
