The knockout stage is here, and for the USMNT, the real work begins now. After a group-stage performance that saw them top their pool with a win over Australia, the Americans are set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1 at 8 p.m. ET, airing on FOX.
That loss to Turkiye on Thursday? Don't read too much into it. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino used the match to give his backups valuable minutes, test depth, and—most importantly—let Christian Pulisic get some run without risking key starters. Four players carrying yellow cards got a clean slate, and the first-choice XI got extra rest. It was a calculated gamble, and it paid off.
Now the focus shifts to Santa Clara, where Bosnia awaits. On paper, this looks like a favorable draw. Bosnia is making just their second World Cup appearance, with a population under four million and a world ranking of 64th—the sixth-lowest in the tournament. They scraped through qualifying on penalties against Wales and Italy, and their group-stage results were mixed: a 1-1 draw with Canada, a 4-1 loss to Switzerland, and a 3-1 win over Qatar for just their second-ever World Cup victory.
But as Turkiye reminded everyone last night, no team in this tournament is a pushover. Bosnia might be the underdog, but they have players plying their trade in Europe's top leagues and a never-say-die attitude. If they bring even half the fight Turkiye did, the USMNT will have their hands full.
Pochettino's squad will need to be sharp from the opening whistle. The Americans have shown they can control possession and create chances, but finishing has been inconsistent. The good news? Pulisic looked lively in his cameo, and the extra rest should have the likes of Weston McKennie and Tim Weah fresh and ready to go.
For a deeper look at the path ahead, check out the full projected schedule for the USMNT after clinching their knockout berth.
Bosnia's fans will be loud, their players will be desperate, and the pressure will be on the Americans to deliver. This is the kind of match where complacency is the enemy. The USMNT has the talent to advance, but they'll need to prove it on the field.
Will the Stars and Stripes roll past Bosnia, or will another upset brew in Santa Clara? All eyes are on July 1.
