“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 a nation that has only once progressed beyond the round of 16 since the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1930, in which the United States 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.

As the group stage concludes, we are starting to get a reasonable idea of which teams the USMNT might have to overcome if they are to do the almost unthinkable.

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Round of 32

As a result of winning Group D with a game to spare, the Stars and Stripes will face third-placed qualifier Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

Competing in just their second World Cup, The Dragons drew with fellow hosts Canada, were well beaten by Switzerland and defeated Qatar in the group stage.

They also count Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, who played one friendly for the USMNT in 2024, among their key attacking players.

Where and when? San Francisco on July 1.

Round of 16

If the United States gets past Bosnia and Herzegovina, it will face either the winner of Group G (Egypt, Iran or Belgium) or another third-placed qualifier, which could be South Korea, Senegal, Iraq, Austria or Algeria. The third-placed team in Group H (Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia) is also a possibility.

Given Spain is unlikely to finish third, none of those opponents feel too daunting, although Belgium did thrash the USMNT 5-2 in a pre-World Cup friendly.

Where and when? Seattle on July 6.

Quarterfinals

This is where things could get tricky.

Spain is the most likely opponent in the quarterfinals, provided it wins Group H. Portugal, Colombia, England and Croatia are other potential matchups, but only if they don’t win their respective groups.

Where and when? Los Angeles on July 10.

Semifinals

The Stars and Stripes are confirmed to be on the same side of the bracket as Germany and the Netherlands, who won their respective groups, and Morocco, which faces the Dutch in the round of 32.

However, the most formidable possible semifinal opponent would be France, but only if it wins Group I ahead of Norway.

Where and when? Dallas on July 14.

Final

If France doesn’t win Group I, it would be on the opposite side of the bracket, making Les Bleus a potential opponent in the World Cup final.

The United States would definitely avoid Brazil, Argentina and Mexico until then, along with Portugal and England if they win Groups K and L, respectively.

Where and when? New Jersey on July 19.

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