World Cup 2026: United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium

The United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium on July 2, 2026, with a place in the World Cup round of 16 at stake.

Henry DONCHE

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On 2 Jul 2026 at 00:01 Updated 2 Jul 2026

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Illustration du match États-Unis VS Bosnie-Herzégovine, le 02/07/2026 01:00, stade San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

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The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina face each other on July 2, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 a.m. French time (GMT+1). This knockout match pits two teams that secured qualification during the group stage against each other, with a place in the round of 16 at stake.

The Americans, co-hosts of the tournament, dominated their group with two clear victories over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0), securing qualification before the final matchday. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the United States team is displaying a dynamic attacking style and strong cohesion.

Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in their group behind Switzerland and Canada, with a win against Qatar (3-1), a draw against Canada (1-1) and a heavy defeat against Switzerland (4-1). Managed by Sergej Barbarez since 2024, the team shows strict defensive organization and relies on quick counterattacks.

This duel marks a historic opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the round of 16 for the first time, while the United States are looking to extend their run at a World Cup played on home soil. These two national teams have met twice recently, with a 1-0 American win in 2021 and a goalless draw in 2018.

The meeting on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium promises a tactical contrast between the United States’ attacking movement and Bosnia’s organized defense, with progress in this World Cup knockout stage as the backdrop.

Focus on United States

The United States will line up in a 4-2-3-1 system built around a four-man defense, with Chris Richards and Tim Ream occupying the center-back positions, supported by Alexander Freeman and Antonee Robinson on the flanks. Goalkeeper Matthew Freese will start in goal.

In midfield, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman will form a double pivot tasked with ball-winning and distribution. Ahead of them, creativity will be provided by Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulišić, the three attacking midfielders compact in their movement and directness.

Up front, Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the group stage, will lead the attack. Coach Mauricio Pochettino is relying on this setup to establish a fast, vertical game, banking on the mobility of the attacking midfielders and the striker’s efficiency.

Among the key players to watch, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulišić and Tyler Adams will be decisive in making the play flow and controlling the tempo. The depth of the bench is also significant, with substitutes such as Giovanni Reyna and Brenden Aaronson.

Focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina are adopting a 3-4-1-2 formation under Sergej Barbarez, with a central defensive trio made up of Nikola Katić, Stjepan Radeljić and Tarik Muharemović. Nikola Vasilj will be in goal.

The midfield will be structured by Amar Dedić and Armin Gigović on the flanks, while Ivan Šunjić and Sead Kolašinac will be positioned centrally to provide defensive and attacking balance.

In attack, the setup relies on Ermedin Demirović in support of the front line, which will be composed of Edin Džeko, the experienced captain and the national team’s all-time leading scorer, supported by Kerim Alajbegović.

Bosnia’s strategy prioritizes a compact defense and speed in transition phases. Džeko’s experience and defensive tactical discipline will be the keys to trying to counter the United States’ attacking start.

United States

First half 1' 0-0 San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

02/07/2026 01:00 Round of 32

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Round of 32 schedule

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World Cup 2026: United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium

SUMMARY

Focus on United States

Focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina

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