USA opens 2026 World Cup knockout round against Bosnia‑Herzegovina

The United States began its 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout campaign on Saturday, facing Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the round of 32. The match, held at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marked the first knockout encounter for the U.S. side in the tournament, which is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The U.S. team, which secured a spot in the tournament as one of the host nations, entered the game with a 3‑0 lead from the group stage and aimed to carry that momentum into the elimination rounds.

Bosnia‑Herzegovina, who advanced from Group F, had previously secured a 1‑0 victory over the United States in the group stage, making the knockout match a rematch of that earlier encounter. The game was a high‑stakes test of the U.S. squad’s depth and tactical flexibility, as the team sought to confirm its status as a strong contender in the tournament. The match also served as a showcase for the expanded 48‑team format, which adds an additional round of play before the traditional round of 16.

The U.S. victory in the round of 32 secured a place in the round of 16, where the team will face the winner of the match between Morocco and Portugal. The result further solidified the United States’ position as a top contender in the 2026 World Cup and set the stage for the next phase of the competition.