World Cup 2026: Who does the United States face in the Round of 32?
The United States men’s national team now knows its opponent for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, after the European side secured one of the tournament’s best third-place spots.
The matchup was finalized following the conclusion of Group F, where Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Japan confirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina as the team that would meet the United States in the knockout stage.
The USMNT, led by Mauricio Pochettino, had already clinched first place in Group D thanks to convincing victories over Paraguay and Australia, allowing the Americans to rotate their squad for their final group-stage match against Türkiye.
Bosnia and Herzegovina booked its place in the knockout rounds with a 3-1 victory over Qatar, finishing on four points and advancing as one of the top eight third-placed teams. It marks just the nation’s second appearance at a FIFA World Cup, after its debut in Brazil 2014, where it failed to advance beyond the group stage.
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Despite being considered underdogs, Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez welcomed the challenge of facing one of the tournament hosts.
“This is all a bonus for us. We’ll embrace whoever comes our way. We’re confident enough to face anyone,” Barbarez said after his team’s qualification.
The winner of the United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina matchup will advance to the Round of 16 as the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.