U.S. Men’s Team Faces Bosnia in World Cup Round of 32

The United States men's national soccer team will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Wednesday, a match that could deliver the U.S. its first World Cup knockout win since 2002. Bosnia, ranked 64th by FIFA, qualified after a playoff upset over Italy and a draw with Canada followed by a win over Qatar.

The Americans enter the game as favorites and expect to start a fully healthy lineup, including the return of winger Christian Pulisic, who missed the opening group matches due to a calf injury. Pulisic said he felt good after playing against Turkey and is ready for the knockout round.

Bosnia will feature American-born winger Esmir Bajraktarević, who switched his allegiance to Bosnia in 2024 after growing up in the United States. He scored the decisive penalty that secured Bosnia’s World Cup berth in March.

"For us, it's the final of the World Cup," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of the match.

"He can feel the jersey he's wearing. It means very much to him," Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez added, referring to Bajraktarević’s connection to his heritage.

Both teams view the encounter as a pivotal step in their tournament campaigns.