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

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.