Bosnia has been eliminated from the knockout bracket following a clean sheet defeat at the hands of the Americans. Despite a furious tactical push from the Dragons after Folarin Balogun was shown a red card, a resilient ten-man US squad dug deep to secure its ticket to the next round and starts to think about their bracket.

After narrowly advancing as one of the top third-place finishers in the group stage, Bosnia failed to replicate that same magic under the knockout lights, while the United States emphatically proved that their strong opening-round form was no fluke.

With its next opponent officially locked in, the USA shifts its focus to the Round of 16—a stage that has become a familiar benchmark for the program since the 2006 tournament in Germany. The victory has fans and analysts alike wondering if this squad has what it takes to shatter their historical ceiling and mount a deepest-ever World Cup run.

Bosnia’s path to the Round of 32

Landed in a highly competitive Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland, Bosnia navigated the opening round with a balanced scorecard: one win over Qatar, a hard-fought draw against Canada, and a costly defeat to Switzerland.

Though their four points and a minus-one goal differential were just enough to punch their ticket to the knockout stage, their overall form raised some red flags, most notably during a collapse against the Swiss, where they conceded four goals in a devastating 20-minute span.

Edin Dzeko calls it a career

The match also marked the bittersweet end of an era as Bosnian icon Edin Dzeko played the final minutes of his legendary career. Unfortunately, the star striker was denied a storybook ending, forced to exit early in the second half due to an untimely injury.

In his final international chapter, Dzeko was unable to find the back of the net in 2026, leaving his lone World Cup goal coming back in 2014. He bids farewell to the game as an undisputed modern great whose immense individual talent often lacked the international supporting cast to make a deeper run on the world stage.

Unfortunately, they’ll do so without Balogun, who was shown a red card in the 2026 World Cup. Regardless, the USA can already plan further ahead and imagine what their road to the grand final—which will be held at New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19—might look like. It’s a long path, with ups and downs, but the USMNT is steadfast and confident. It proved just that with their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

While fellow co-host Mexico are also aware of their potential path to the final at the 2026 World Cup, the Stars and Stripes have one advantage El Tri don’t—or at least not for much longer. The United States will play all their remaining games on home soil, whereas Mexico’s upcoming Round of 16 game will be their last at home.

Whether it’s enough of a difference-maker for the U.S. Men’s National Team to make history remains to be seen, but they are determined to do just that and reach a later stage than the USA’s best finish in World Cup history.

The USMNT’s potential path to 2026 World Cup final

Up next, the USA will take on Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals—a stage the Stars and Stripes haven’t reached since the 2002 World Cup. Although the United States finished in third place at the 1930 World Cup, they have never won a quarterfinal since that stage was introduced. Thus, if they make it past Belgium in the Round of 16, they will be up for a test against the ghosts of their past.

As if that didn’t make for a climb steep enough, the USA would then face one of Croatia, Portugal, Spain, or Austria. Whichever national team makes it out of that gauntlet would be a tall task for Pochettino’s team. Moreover, the U.S. are guaranteed to face only European teams through the first three rounds of the knockout stage.

If they make it through and reach the semifinals, the USMNT could face Paraguay, France, Morocco, or Canada. In the final, the USMNT’s potential rivals are Brazil, Norway, England, Mexico, Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Colombia, or Ghana. It won’t be easy, but Pochettino dares to dream with the USA.

Balogun’s impact was so large, that even LeBron James reacted to the striker doing his celebration after the goal. However, in the second half, he challenged for possession against Tarik Muharemovic, striking the opponent’s defender in the calf. After a VAR review, referee Raphael Claus deemed the action to be worthy of a red card.

As a result, the Stars and Stripes had to play the rest of the game shorthanded. They were down to 10 players but still held Bosnia and Herzegovina’s surge with 11 players. The good news for the USA is that it managed to win the game 2-0, with midfielder Malik Tillman scoring a free-kick goal after Balogun’s red card.

The bad news is that Balogun will undergo the same fate as every player that gets a red card during the 2026 World Cup. Balogun will be suspended for the USA’s next game in the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, the striker will be out for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle.

How many red cards have there been so far?

So far in the 2026 World Cup, there had been a total of 11 red cards. Some hard to believe, like Piero Hincapie’s red card during Ecuador’s elimination against Mexico, and some impossible to overlook like Agustin Canobbio’s against Spain. With Balogun’s, the tally has gone up to 12 red cards. Unfortunately, the USA cannot appeal Balogun’s red card due to FIFA rules.

However, the United States hadn’t been in the wrong end of any red card. Balogun’s was the first, but the team overcame it. The U.S. will indeed field 11 players next game, but Balogun won’t be available, as he’ll be serving his suspension. Pulisic lamented Balogun’s red card, but the USA cannot appeal the decision.

Balogun’s stats in the 2026 World Cup

Balogun has been the United States’ best player so far at soccer’s biggest tournament. Not only did he score two goals in the 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay, but he has been a force to be reckoned with in every game. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was no different.

However, one unfortunate challenge led to him being sent off. Through four games, Balogun has scored three goals, but he will miss his team’s next matchup because of his untimely red card. Even so, Pochettino is optimistic on the USA’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.

Backed by a newly updated FIFA world ranking, the USA look to leverage their statistical momentum and deliver a statement performance for the home crowd. Playing at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, the Americans are eager to prove they are the most formidable of the three tournament co-hosts and a legitimate threat to make a deep tournament run.

While head coach Mauricio Pochettino prepares to showcase the tactical identity he has instilled in this USA squad, Bosnia and Herzegovina enter as the statistical underdog. Despite their lower FIFA ranking, Bosnia are dangerous and fully capable of pulling off an upset, especially with legendary talisman Edin Dzeko expected to spearhead their attack.

The stakes couldn’t be higher today: the winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina will punch their ticket to the Round of 16, setting up a date with Belgium on July 6 at Seattle Stadium.

USA’s uniform against Bosnia and Herzegovina

The USMNT is sticking with what works, donning their classic primary home kit. The look features the iconic red-and-white striped jersey, accented by subtle star detailing inspired by the American flag, and is completed with traditional white shorts and socks.

The USA wore this exact combination during their dominant back-to-back victories to open the group stage and will look to keep that winning energy alive today. The refereeing crew for USA vs. Bosnia will wear a green shirt.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s uniform against USA

Bosnia (BIH on the scoreboard) will counter in their sleek, navy blue away kits, accented by gold detailing that pays homage to the nation’s flag. To maintain crisp visual contrast on the pitch and the sidelines, Bosnia’s substitutes will wear magenta warm-up bibs, while the U.S. reserves will sport bright orange.

These are the full uniforms for goalkeepers and referees in this 2026 World Cup clash:

Following a group-stage campaign that featured dominant wins over Paraguay and Australia before a narrow finale slip-up against Turkey, the USA have climbed one spot to No. 16 globally with 1,677.17 total points. It contrasts with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s FIFA ranking.

Now, the pressure is squarely on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad to maximize its elite talent. Adding to the intrigue of this win-or-go-home matchup, a South American officiating crew has been assigned to officiate USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, in what promises to be a highly physical battle for a coveted spot in the Round of 16.

Tracking the USMNT’s FIFA ranking evolution

The Americans’ recent one-spot rise reflects a turbulent but net-positive group stage. The USA gained a massive 38.36 FIFA ranking points by dismantling Paraguay (4-1) and shutting out Australia (2-0). While the subsequent loss to Turkey cost them 32.42 points, their overall body of work was enough to trigger an upward move.

Here is a look at how the USMNT has hovered near the elite tier over the last two years leading into the tournament:

• October 2024: 18th
• Nov. 2024 – April 2025: 16th
• July 2025: 15th
• Sept. – Oct. 2025: 16th
• Nov. – Dec. 2025: 14th
• January 2026: 15th
• April 2026: 16th
• June 2026 (Pre-Tournament): 17th

Bosnia and Herzegovina are riding their own wave of momentum after advancing to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. With both squads firing on all cylinders and playing for survival, the stage is officially set for an unforgettable knockout opener.

Their incredible story has continued in North America. Bosnia and Herzegovina fought through a difficult Group B to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-place finishers and now face the United States at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for a place in the Round of 16.

Along the way, Bosnia’s performances have also had a noticeable impact on the FIFA World Rankings, allowing the team to climb several places during the competition apart from marking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best result in World Cup history.

What is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current FIFA ranking?

Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently ranked No. 61 in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,408.93 points. Since the start of the 2026 World Cup, Bosnia have climbed three places in the live rankings thanks to their results during the group stage.

Bosnia earned 7.98 FIFA ranking points after opening the tournament with a draw against Canada. The team then lost 14.01 points following a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland before bouncing back with an impressive 3-1 victory over Qatar, a result that added 27.75 points and fueled their rise in the rankings.

That final victory was the key moment that helped Bosnia recover and move up three spots in the FIFA standings. Now, a victory over the United States in the Round of 32 would represent another major milestone for Bosnia and Herzegovina while also delivering another valuable boost in the FIFA rankings, where the USA is still ranked way higher.

As the USA enter a new venue in the 2026 World Cup, they hope luck will be on their side, as they know what will happen if they win, tie, or lose against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Round of 32 game against the Dragons will be played at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium).

Tonight’s venue comes with some curious facts, however. Despite FIFA’s official designation for the stadium, the venue is located in Santa Clara, California, and its official name has been temporarily changed for the 2026 World Cup.

The stadium has a seating capacity for approximately 70,000 fans. Although the game will take place on a weekday afternoon in San Francisco, attendance for the USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina matchup is expected to be at or near full capacity.

Weather forecast

Contrary to other games in which adverse weather conditions played a role, that isn’t expected to be the case when the USMNT take on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game will be played at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. local time at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium).

The weather forecast calls for a warm temperature of 25°C (approximately 77°F) expected at kickoff. While the sky will be partly cloudy, there is no real threat of rain whatsoever. As much work as referee Raphael Claus will have, it’s unlikely he’ll have to suspend the game at any point due to the 2026 World Cup weather protocol.

USMNT’s first time at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

So far in the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT had yet to play at the home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. The Stars and Stripes had played twice at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) and once in Seattle (Lumen Field), where they would return for their Round of 16 game if the USA defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As for the venue in Santa Clara, it has hosted five games so far in the 2026 World Cup. The matchup between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the last game played in the Bay Area during the tournament.

USA eye the history books

Whether it’s in the Golden State, the Midwest, the East Coast, or anywhere across the United States’ vast geography, the USMNT vie to surpass the USA’s best-ever finish at a FIFA World Cup.

It’s been far too long since the Stars and Stripes appeared in the latter stages of the tournament, and with every game being played at home, this is as good a chance as the Americans will ever have to make history.

Before this tournament, Bosnia and Herzegovina — BIH on the scoreboards — had appeared at only one FIFA World Cup, making their debut in Brazil in 2014. That team was eliminated in the group stage despite earning a memorable 3-1 victory over Iran after earlier defeats to Argentina and Nigeria.

The 2026 squad, led by head coach Sergej Barbarez, has now rewritten the nation’s World Cup record by advancing to the Round of 32 after progressing from Group B, setting a new milestone for Bosnian soccer.

What is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best-ever World Cup finish?

The nation previously reached only the group stage during their World Cup debut in 2014. Twelve years later, Bosnia returned to the tournament and advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time after finishing third in Group B.

Bosnia opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Canada thanks to a goal from Jovo Lukić, suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, and then secured qualification with a decisive 3-1 victory over Qatar. Goals from Kerim Alajbegović and Ermin Mahmić helped seal the historic result.

Bosnia’s World Cup journey through the years

Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice as an independent nation. The 2014 squad featured players such as Edin Džeko, Miralem Pjanić, Vedad Ibišević, and Sead Kolašinac, with Ibišević scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal against Argentina.

The 2026 generation blends experienced leaders like Džeko and Kolašinac with emerging talents including goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, Ermedin Demirović and Kerim Alajbegović. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2026 World Cup roster also includes players born abroad. Their progression to the Round of 32 represents the most successful World Cup campaign in the nation’s history.

How to watch USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in the USA

Viewers in the United States can watch the action live on FS1 and Telemundo through traditional cable and satellite providers.

The match is also streaming on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Don’t miss the action.

Can I watch USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina for free?

Fans across the United States can stream this exciting matchup live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with both platforms offering eligible new users a free five-day trial.

Available nationwide, both services let viewers enjoy every decisive moment of the match from the opening whistle through the final seconds.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The U.S. men’s national team enters the knockout stage after finishing first in its group with impressive wins over Paraguay and Austria. Even a 3-2 loss in the final group match wasn’t enough to cost the Americans the top spot.

Next up is Bosnia, a team that overcame an inconsistent group-stage campaign to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in its history. Although the USMNT enters as the favorite, Bosnia will be determined to keep its historic run alive with another upset.

USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Predicted Lineups

USA (4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-4-2): Nikola Vasilj; Amar Dedić, Nikola Katić, Tarik Muharemović, Sead Kolašinac; Esmir Bajraktarević, Ivan Šunjić, Ivan Bašić, Adrian Alajbegović; Edin Džeko, Ermedin Demirović.

What time is the USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match?

The match kicks off today, July 1, at 8:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
Central Time: 7:00 PM
Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

The host nation enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign, finishing first in Group D ahead of Australia, Paraguay, and Turkiye. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has looked increasingly confident and now enters the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, booked their place in the Round of 32 as one of the World Cup’s best third-place finishers. After drawing with Canada, losing to Switzerland, and defeating Qatar, the Europeans kept their tournament alive and now face one of the hosts in Santa Clara. San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is the venue for USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who is the referee for USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The referee appointed for the Round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina is Raphael Claus of Brazil. Claus is one of South America’s most experienced officials and has regularly overseen high-profile international and club matches. With the uniforms for the USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina game confirmed, the referees will wear green.

Full officiating crew for USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

This is the full referee crew for the game between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil) Assistant Referee 1: Danilo Manis (Brazil) Assistant Referee 2: Rodrigo Figueiredo (Brazil). Fourth Official: Dario Herrera (Argentina). VAR: Juan Soto (Venezuela). Assistant VAR: Nicolas Gallo (Colombia).

With a ticket to the 2026 World Cup‘s Round of 16 on the line, the USMNT hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California). The Stars and Stripes arrive in the elimination round after finishing first in Group D, with two wins and one loss (in a virtually meaningless outing against Turkiye).

As for the Dragons, the Balkan side struggled to find their footing in Group B, but ultimately advanced as one of the best third-place teams at the 2026 World Cup. On paper—and based on the USA’s position compared to that of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the FIFA ranking—the USA has the better team and should advance, but anything can happen, and this World Cup has seen underdogs shock the world before. Playing in primetime television and under the eyes of the nation, the Americans can’t afford a misstep in The Bay.

What happens if the USA win vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The USMNT will advance to the next phase of the knockout stage at the 2026 World Cup with a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would go on to play Belgium in the Round of 16. The Red Devils will be coming off an exhausting 3-2 overtime win over Senegal, so the USMNT could take advantage of a fatigued side. Still, they must first take care of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who want to build on their historic World Cup performance.

If the USA win in San Francisco, they will travel north to the state of Washington, as their Round of 16 game will be played at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field, home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks). That game will take place on July 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup with a loss against the United States in San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

What happens if USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina tie?

In the event that the Round of 32 showdown between the USMNT and Bosnia and Herzegovina remains tied at the end of the 90 minutes, the game will be headed to extra time in the 2026 World Cup. Overtime will be 30 minutes long, split into two halves of 15 minutes.

There is no tiebreaking golden-goal rule in the World Cup, meaning the full half hour of extra time must be played to determine a winner. If the game is still tied at the end of extra time, it will all come down to a penalty shootout.

Whether the game is decided through overtime or a penalty shootout, the winner will advance to the Round of 16 and face Belgium, while the loser will return home with long faces and heartbreak all around.

What happens if USA lose vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The USMNT’s 2026 World Cup dream will come to an end with a loss in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USA would be eliminated with a defeat at the hands of the Dragons in the Bay Area, and they would have nothing left to play for in the 2026 World Cup.

As for Bosnia and Herzegovina, they would move on to the Round of 16 to face Belgium with spirits soaring after completing one of the biggest shockers of the tournament. Moreover, the USA would become the first co-host of the 2026 World Cup to be eliminated.

Such a loss would mean the Americans would have to watch the remaining teams compete for ultimate glory on their own soil. The USMNT would be left on the outside looking in as the action unfolds in the land of the free and the home of the brave. The Americans would also extend their winless streak in the knockout stage to 24 years, as the USA last won an elimination game in the 2002 World Cup.

The USA’s and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path