Bosnia and Herzegovina poised as United States' likely Round of 32 opponent after Qatar win

Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 on Wednesday, finishing third in Group B with four points. The result puts the Balkan side among the eight third-place teams likely to advance to the Round of 32, despite a –1 goal differential.

FIFA's pre-determined knockout bracket pairs each third-place qualifier with a group winner. Because the United States topped Group D, its next opponent will come from Groups B, E, F, I or J, depending on which third-place teams progress. Simulations of the tournament brackets show that the Group B third-place finisher – Bosnia and Herzegovina – is the most probable opponent for the U.S., although other outcomes remain possible if further upsets occur.

The eight advancing third-place teams are ranked by points earned, with goal difference, goals scored and fair-play points serving as tiebreakers. Teams that reach at least four points in the group stage are generally expected to move on to the knockout round.