The United States' run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with a round-of-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm ET on Wednesday, with the match available to stream free on Fox in the United States, BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom, and SBS On Demand in Australia.

How the teams got here

Mauricio Pochettino's side cruised through the group stage with wins over Paraguay and Australia, securing top spot before a late 3-2 defeat to an already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles put a minor blemish on an otherwise strong campaign. With the round of 32 safely booked, Pochettino rotated heavily for that final group match, meaning Folarin Balogun, Antonee Robinson, and Christian Pulisic are all expected to return to the starting lineup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive at their first-ever major tournament knockout fixture having qualified as the fifth-best third-placed side. A crucial 3-1 win over Qatar in their final Group B outing — sparked by teenage Bayer Leverkusen forward Kerim Alajbegovic, just 18 — secured their place in the last 32. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, 40, also contributed, earning a credit on the second goal — logged as an own goal.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's path through Group B

Sergej Barbarez's side showed they are no pushover, coming within 13 minutes of beating Canada in their tournament opener in Toronto. However, they were well below their best in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. Facing a group that included a co-host nation, they managed four points — enough to advance — but their toughest test awaits in this knockout tie.

The three previous meetings between these nations have produced one draw and two wins for the United States, though all three were friendlies. The most recent of those was a 1-0 victory in 2021, settled by a late Cole Bassett goal. Tonight marks the first competitive fixture between the two.

What's at stake

Group averages across both sides' group stage games came close to four goals per match, hinting at a potentially open and entertaining encounter. The winner will advance to the round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle. FourFourTwo predicts a 3-2 United States victory — a game in which the Americans lead throughout but Bosnia and Herzegovina push them every step of the way.