KLIK SAJA - The United States will look to capitalize on home advantage when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
The Stars and Stripes secured top spot in Group D to book their place in the knockout stage, while Bosnia-Herzegovina advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
The United States made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before overcoming Australia 2-0.
Those victories were enough to seal qualification for the Round of 32 with one group-stage match still to play.
Mauricio Pochettino's men suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final Group D fixture on June 25.
Nevertheless, six points from three matches proved sufficient to finish at the top of the group, two points clear of both runners-up Australia and third-placed Paraguay.
The Americans have a respectable history at the FIFA World Cup.
They reached the semifinals in the inaugural 1930 tournament, eventually finishing third, advanced to the quarterfinals in 2002, and have reached the Round of 16 on five occasions—in 1934, 1994, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their presence in the knockout stage therefore comes as little surprise.
Victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina would send the United States into a Round of 16 showdown against either Belgium or Senegal, presenting a promising pathway to the latter stages of the competition.
The two nations have met only three times previously, with all encounters coming in friendly matches. Wednesday's clash will therefore mark the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
Bosnia-Herzegovina have lost two of those three previous meetings, including a 1-0 defeat in their most recent encounter with the United States in December 2021.
Bosnia-Herzegovina finished third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada, but four points from three matches were enough to secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.
Sergej Barbarez's side opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Canada before suffering a heavy 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
However, a crucial 3-1 victory over Qatar in their final group match ensured their place in the knockout rounds.
