US team eyes potential Round of 32 opponent in Bosnia vs Qatar match

The United States men’s national team clinched first place in Group D after winning its opening two matches and will play its final group game against Turkey on Thursday, June 25. A more consequential fixture for the U.S. side is expected on Wednesday in Seattle, where Bosnia and Herzegovina will meet Qatar at Lumen Field. Both teams entered the match with one point after drawing their first-group game and losing the second, meaning the winner is likely to become the U.S. opponent in the round of 32.

Finishing among the top eight third-place teams is the most realistic path for Bosnia and Herzegovina or Qatar, as neither can finish in the top two of Group B. A draw between them would probably eliminate both, while a victory would give the winner four points and a strong chance of advancing.

As Group D winners, the United States is scheduled to play its round-of-32 match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 1 against the third-place finisher from one of Groups B, E, F, I or J. Based on current tournament scenarios, analysts estimate a 58% probability that Bosnia and Herzegovina will be that opponent, with Qatar at 18% and Senegal at 9%.

"The winner of the Bosnia-Herzegovina versus Qatar match is almost certain to face the United States in the round of 32," a tournament analyst noted.