“Why not us?” was Mauricio Pochettino’s much-publicized response when asked in March whether the USMNT could win the World Cup for the first time in its history.

It would be a huge step up for the U.S., which has only once progressed beyond the Round of 16 since the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1930, in which they finished third, out of 13 participants.

Stranger things have definitely happened in soccer, although perhaps not at the World Cup, which has relentlessly been won by the European and South American elite throughout its history.

Now, with the knockout stage underway and a Round of 32 victory, the United States has taken its first step, and the path ahead is coming into clearer focus.

World Cup 2026 calculator: generate your World Cup bracket prediction!

Round of 16

After defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, the Stars and Stripes have advanced to face Belgium in the Round of 16. Belgium needed extra time to get past Senegal in a dramatic 3-2 victory, highlighting the challenge that awaits the U.S. in the next round.

The matchup also carries recent history, with Belgium having defeated the USMNT 5-2 in a pre-World Cup friendly, although knockout-stage soccer often tells a very different story.

For the United States, this represents a major opportunity and a familiar hurdle as they look to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in decades.

Where and when? Seattle on July 6.

Quarterfinals

If the United States gets past Belgium, the path forward remains daunting.

Spain remains one of the most likely potential opponents in the quarterfinals, depending on how the remaining Round of 32 matches play out. Other possible challengers include Portugal, Colombia, England and Croatia.

Where and when? Los Angeles on July 10.

Semifinals

On the same side of the bracket, several heavyweights remain in contention.

France, Brazil and other top nations could emerge as potential semifinal opponents, depending on how results unfold in the coming rounds. Teams like Morocco and Norway have also already shown they can compete.

Reaching this stage would already mark a historic run for the USMNT, but it would likely require defeating at least one global powerhouse.

Where and when? Dallas on July 14.

Final

Should the United States continue its run, a World Cup final appearance would likely bring a matchup against one of the tournament’s elite teams from the opposite side of the bracket. Traditional contenders such as Argentina, Mexico and others remain in the mix, setting up the possibility of a blockbuster final.

Where and when? New Jersey on July 19.

Related stories

World Cup 2026

2026 World Cup standings today (July 2)

World Cup 2026

USMNT faces historic Belgium hurdle in Round of 16

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.