USA
World CupWhy this tip?
We have seen the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina matches feature both teams scoring recently, and I cannot see how this match will not feature goals from both sides, given their recent poor form at the back. However, the USA has home support and a much better side and should get the job done with a 2 – 1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Match Preview
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Last 32
- Date: 02 July 2026
- Kick-off time: 17:00 USA (02:00 SA)
- Venue: San Francisco Bay Arena Stadium (Levi’s Stadium)
Match details
The USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina clash in the first Knockout Round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the Round of 32 for a spot in the Round of 16. The two teams face off at the San Francisco Bay Arena Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) in Santa Clara, California. The match is set to take place on the 02nd of July 2026, commencing at 17:00 (GMT-7) in Santa Clara, and 02:00 (GMT+2) in South Africa. The last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing to a close, and if you are enjoying our expert coverage and want tips, head over to our Topbets World Cup predictions page.
Why this match matters
The tenth match of the Round of 32 features Group D winners the USA taking on Bosnia & Herzegovina, who finished third in Group B and qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This fixture marks the beginning of the knockout phase of the World Cup on home soil for the USA, while for Bosnia & Herzegovina, it marks their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage of a World Cup. This encounter also serves as the first-ever meeting between the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina at an international tournament.
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina head-to-head stats
Head-to-head record
The USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina have met three times in men’s senior international football, with the USA having yet to taste defeat against the Bosnians. The USA leads the head-to-head record (2 – 1 – 0), with two wins and one draw in their three meetings. In their meetings, the USA scored 5 goals, and Bosnia & Herzegovina scored 3 times. Their previous encounters featured one match ending with BTTS and over 2.5 goals, while two matches ended with the USA keeping clean sheets. Their three meetings consisted of:
- 19/12/2021 (Friendly International) USA 1 – 0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 29/01/2018 (Friendly International) USA 0 – 0 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 14/08/2013 (Friendly International) Bosnia & Herzegovina 3 – 4 USA
USA’s recent form
USA’s last five matches: WLWWL–
The USA is in good form heading into their first knockout game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having won three and lost two of their last five matches against the following teams:
- 26/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Turkey 3 – 2 USA
- 19/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): USA 2 – 0 Australia
- 13/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): USA 4 – 1 Paraguay
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly International): USA 1 – 2 Germany
- 31/05/2026 (Friendly International): USA 3 – 2 Senegal
The USA was in poor form heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing three of their four Friendly Internationals against strong opposition, including Belgium, Portugal and Germany, despite picking up a good win over Senegal. However, backed by home support, they rallied in their first two World Cup games, defeating both Paraguay and Australia before losing to Turkey after already securing top spot.
From what I have witnessed, the main flaw in the USA team is their backline. However, the USA attack has repeatedly shown that they can outscore any team, and are averaging 2 goals per game. In their last five matches, the USA has scored 12 goals while conceding 8 goals. Four of their last five matches featured both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals, with the USA scoring in each game and at least 2 goals in four of them.
Bosnia & Herzegovina‘s recent form
Bosnia & Herzegovina’s last five matches: DDDLW–
Bosnia & Herzegovina enters the knockout round in poor form, having won just once in their last five outings while picking up a single loss and three draws. These results were gained against the following opponents:
- 24/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Bosnia & Herzegovina 3 – 1 Qatar
- 18/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Switzerland 4 – 1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 12/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Canada 1 – 1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly International): Panama 1 – 1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 29/05/2026 (Friendly International): Bosnia & Herzegovina 0 – 0 Australia
Bosnia & Herzegovina qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the European playoff qualifications after defeating Wales and Italy via penalties, securing their spot. Bosnia & Herzegovina have been consistent leading up to the World Cup – consistently stalemating their opposition, having played in five back-to-back draws. They even managed to draw their 2026 World Cup opener with co-hosts Canada before losing to Switzerland and beating a lacklustre Qatar side. In their last five outings, Bosnia & Herzegovina has scored 6 goals and conceded 7. They managed to pick up one clean sheet, with four matches ending with both teams scoring.
Team news
USA team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: I am excited to see USMNT captain Christian Pulisic return from injury ahead of their first knockout game. He is the primary creative engine, and his elite 1v1 dribbling will be the catalyst for the USA attack to break the Bosnian shape. Weston McKennie will be crucial in the half-spaces and will be the central hub for chance creation and goal-scoring opportunities. Folarin Balogun is the focal point of the USA attack and will need to use his explosive pace, sharp of the ball movements, and clinical finishing will be needed to bypass the Bosnian low block. Alex Freeman will dictate the tempo by pushing upfield, providing physicality and athleticism to the USA attack on the flank.
Bosnia & Herzegovina team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Edin Džeko is the focal point of the Bosnian attack, and his ability to hold possession, elite 1v1 dribbling, and long-range shooting has made him the leading goal scorer for his country. His towering aerial presence and elite box movement will cause problems for the USA defence. The returning Tarik Muharemović and partner Nikola Katić will add physical strength and recovery pace to the Bosnian defence and will be pivotal in dealing with Balogun. Esmir Bajraktarević is Bosnia’s primary creative weapon on the counterattack due to his explosiveness in creating goals, his ability to add width, and his prior knowledge of the USMNT. The experience, composure and versatility of Sead Kolašinac will be vital to neutralise the USA attack. Together with Amar Dedić, they will play a crucial role in stopping the suppress the USA attack out wide.
Predicted lineups
USA predicted XI
Despite winning their group, the USA were found flat-footed and suffered a major defeat heading into the Round of 32. Having watched the USA during the group stage, Mauricio Pochettino should revert to the USA’s coveted 4-2-3-1 formation in their Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Christian Pulisic returns from injury and should play a pivotal role in breaking through the Bosnia & Herzegovina low block. I predict that Mauricio Pochettino will name a nearly unchanged squad, with the Stars and Stripes starting XI featuring:
Matt Freese (G) – Alex Freeman – Chris Richards – Tim Ream – Antonee Robinson – Tyler Adams – Malik Tillman- Sergiño Dest – Weston McKennie – Christian Pulisic (C) – Folarin Balogun.
Bosnia & Herzegovina predicted XI
From what I have seen in the group stage, Sergej Barbarez will stick with a 4-4-2 formation, utilising a defensive block and quick counterattacks in transition. In defence, I need to see Bosnia & Herzegovina focus on being compact, controlling the spaces, and utilising their physicality to upset the USA attack. Their goal should be to absorb pressure and immediately transition the ball to Džeko over their midfield. I expect Bosnia & Herzegovina to rely on their aerial presence and utilise set-pieces for scoring goals. I predict the Dragons’ starting XI to feature:
Nikola Vasilj (G) – Amar Dedić – Nikola Katić – Tarik Muharemović – Sead Kolašinac – Esmir Bajraktarević – Ivan Šunjić – Ivan Bašić – Kerim Alajbegović – Ermedin Demirović – Edin Džeko (C).
Best betting markets for USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Match winner
Prediction: USA to WIN @ 4/10 (1.40) at BetXchange.
Over/Under goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 85/100 (1.85) at BetXchange.
Both teams to score
Prediction: Both teams to score Yes @ 11/10 (2.10) at Sportingbet.
Anytime goalscorer
Prediction: Folarin Balogun to score anytime @ 75/100 (1.75) at Bettabet.
The Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to an end, but there are still loads of other sporting events on offer in Mzansi. The South African Champions Season is currently underway in KZN, with the upcoming headliner, the Durban July, taking place on the 04th of July. You can get all of your horse racing tips right here at Topbets.
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina prediction
Best bet
Prediction: BTTS @ 11/10 (2.10) at Bettabet.
Correct score prediction
Prediction: Match to end 2 – 1 to USA @ 9/1 (10.00) at WSB.
Match analysis and verdict
The USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina meet for the first time at an international football tournament. This is Bosnia & Herzegovina’s first-ever knockout match, and they have a monumental task of trying to defeat a USA team in front of home support. We have seen the USA and Bosnia & Herzegovina matches feature both teams scoring recently, and I cannot see how this match will not feature goals from both sides, given their recent poor form at the back. However, the USA has home support and a much better side and should get the job done with a 2 – 1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
