WASHINGTON — The United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup 2026 Round of 32 action on Wednesday in San Francisco, with the co-hosts entering the knockout stage after finishing top of their group, according to FIFA scheduling and team confirmations.
The match at Levi’s Stadium marks the USA’s first knockout-round fixture of the tournament and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first appearance in the World Cup knockout phase. The U.S. advanced from Group D after securing two wins and one loss in group play, ensuring first place ahead of the elimination rounds. Bosnia and Herzegovina progressed as one of the best third-place teams from Group B following a 3-1 win over Qatar, a 1-1 draw with Canada and a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland.
The United States concluded its group stage with a 3-2 loss to Türkiye in Los Angeles, a match in which both sides had already been confirmed in their respective positions before kickoff. Despite the defeat, the U.S. maintained group leadership and secured progression under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s campaign has been highlighted by a breakthrough qualification for the knockout rounds, led in attack by veteran forward Edin Džeko and a supporting cast that includes emerging talents contributing across the group stage. Bosnia scored in all three of their group matches, underscoring a consistent offensive output despite defensive inconsistencies.
For the United States, attacking depth remains central to its prospects, with forward Folarin Balogun and midfielder Christian Pulisic expected to feature prominently in the knockout round. The U.S. group stage included a 4-1 win over Paraguay and a 2-0 victory over Australia, results that secured advancement before the final matchday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina winger Esmir Bajraktarević, who previously represented the United States at youth level, is also expected to be part of the match narrative after playing a key role in Bosnia’s qualification push.
The United States has historically held an advantage in its limited meetings with Bosnia and Herzegovina, though the two sides have not faced each other in a World Cup knockout setting.
The winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to the Round of 16, where the knockout bracket continues across multiple U.S. venues later in the week, while the losing side will be eliminated from the tournament.
