The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed the notion of the USMNT being favorites, citing recent upsets in the tournament. Germany and the Netherlands both lost in penalty shootouts to Paraguay and Morocco, respectively, demonstrating the unpredictability of the competition.
Pochettino emphasized the difficulty of the match, stating, 'I don’t believe that we are the favorite team... In this World Cup, there are many things, factors that can influence the performance.' He urged respect for Bosnia’s quality, noting their aggressive play and organization.
The USMNT topped Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia but lost 3-2 to Turkey in a dead-rubber match. Christian Pulisic, recovering from a calf injury, declared himself fit to start, while center-back Mark McKenzie remains doubtful. Left-back Auston Trusty, who left the Turkey match on a stretcher, is expected to be available as a substitute.
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified as third in their group after a 3-1 win over Qatar, a draw with Canada, and a loss to Switzerland. The winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to face either Senegal or Belgium in the next round.
Pulisic, speaking to reporters, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle a potential shootout, saying, 'I feel it's a pretty brave, courageous team. I feel like guys will give it a go.' He also noted that the team would stick to their own penalty-taking styles rather than adopting techniques from recent shootouts.
The USMNT’s path to the knockout stage has been marked by a mix of strong performances and setbacks. Their opening match against Paraguay saw a 4-1 victory, followed by a 2-0 win over Australia. The loss to Turkey, however, highlighted the need for caution in the knockout phase.
Pochettino’s approach has been to balance ambition with realism, a strategy that has resonated with players and fans alike. The 'Why not us?' mentality, while ambitious, is tempered by the recognition of the challenges ahead. The USMNT’s 'golden generation' narrative hinges on their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, a test that begins against Bosnia and Herzegovina.