The United States bid for a first World Cup knockout win in 24 years as they take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in the round of 32.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side impressed in their first two outings at this tournament and topped their group despite defeat to Turkey in their last fixture. It leaves confidence high that the co-hosts can make a deeper run at this tournament having fallen short in their last three knockout games since their sole success against Mexico in 2002. Star forward Christian Pulisic is set to bolster the ranks after declaring himself fit to start on match eve, with the US starting to catch World Cup fever.
A 3-1 win over Qatar secured Bosnia’s place in the last 32 as a third placed qualifier, and they have the quality and experience to trouble their opposition here. Veteran striker Eden Dzeko is still leading the line a few months after his 40th birthday – and he and his teammates may just fancy their chances in Santa Clara…
Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
World Cup 2026 fixtures, latest results and full tournament bracket
Here’s a reminder of all of the results so far in the knockout round, and the full tournament bracket.
Belgium vs Senegal kicks off
The winner of this tie will take on either Belgium or Senegal in the next round – and the action in Seattle is about to get underway:
The unique World Cup club that illuminates Edin Dzeko’s enduring quality
The enduring class of Edin Dzeko provides a large part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s threat. Before the tournament, Richard Jolly profiled a 40-year-old striker still causing trouble:
How Bosnia and Herzegovina got here
It was one of each for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group stages, with a horror show against Switzerland quickly cast aside as they beat Qatar to seal progress.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-4 Switzerland
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar
Christian Pulisic set to start
Christian Pulisic has declared himself fully fit and good to go in a significant boost for the United States ahead of their round of 32 tie. “I feel ready,” the forward said when asked if he was able to get through 90 or 120 minutes after injury.
The strange Mauricio Pochettino outburst that is cause for concern for USA ahead of World Cup knockouts
Mauricio Pochettino was in a strange mood afterwards, mind, insisting his team weren’t getting the credit they deserved for topping the group.
USA undone by late Turkish sucker-punch but nippy Pulisic cameo maintains momentum
Kieran Jackson was at that Turkey game – and still felt relatively encouraged about the United States despite their defeat, particularly with Christian Pulisic featuring off the bench.
How the United States got here
The United States topped Group D, assuring themselves of that spot with strong wins over Paraguay and Australia and thus able to rest a few players in their final game against Turkey.
USA 4-1 Paraguay
USA 2-0 Australia
USA 2-3 Turkey
