USMNT starting lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mauricio Pochettino’s XI for the round of 32 game

The United States are one game away from making history in the World Cup, looking to reach the tournament’s fifth game for only the second time ever. Standing in their way is a Bosnia & Herzegovina team that was

The USMNT cruised through the group stages after winning both of their opening two game of the 2026 World Cup. With qualification already assured, head coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated his team for the final group stage game against Turkey but the US suffered a 3-2 loss.

The US will take on Bosnia in Santa Clara in the round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1. It’s the biggest USMNT game in a generation and Pochettino has some big decisions to make...

USMNT predicted team to face Bosnia

With nothing on the line against Turkey, Pochettino made nine changes to the team that had beaten Australia 2-0 a week earlier. The only holdovers were Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi but Pochettino is expected to revert to the team used in the first two games of the tournament.

The US avoided any suspension danger against Turkey and are boosted by the return from injury of Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan star was forced off at halftime in the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay and did not feature against Australia. He appeared as a second half substitute against Turkey and looked sharp on his return.

USMNT predicted XI: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergiño Dest; Weston McKennie; Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun

Bosnia provide serious test

Six points from three games was enough for the USMNT the top the group and set them on a preferential path through the knockout rounds. They will take on a Bosnia & Herzegovina side that finished third in Group B - behind Switzerland and Canada - only qualifying for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.

However the US will be wary of complacency against Bosnia, a team who has already proved themselves capable of an upset. Bosnia made it through the playoff route in UEFA qualifying, beating Wales and four-time champions Italy to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.

They are not the most glamorous name but Bosnia feature the evergreen Edin Džeko up front, the 40-year-old striker best known for his time with Manchester City. At the other extreme, 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegović has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament and has already been snapped up by Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.

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