It’s Win Or Go Home For Team USA At The World Cup

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) looks to continue its World Cup run Wednesday night when it faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, its first knockout-stage match of the tournament. 

After winning two of its three group-stage matches and resting starters in a loss to Türkiye after already clinching Group D, the United States will attempt to earn its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 2002. 

Team USA opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay before defeating Australia 2-0 to secure the top spot in its group. The USMNT then fell 3-2 to Türkiye last Thursday with first place already secured. 

Folarin Balogun, who leads the United States in goals, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson all picked up yellow cards during the group stage. All four key players would have been suspended for the match against Bosnia if they had picked up another yellow card against Türkiye. All yellow cards were wiped clean at the start of the knockout stage. 

Star forward Christian Pulisic also benefited from additional rest after sustaining an injury in the first half against Paraguay. He missed the Australia match and played only the final 30 minutes against Türkiye. Pulisic said he is ready to play 90 minutes, or even a potential 120 minutes if Wednesday’s match goes to extra time.  

Captain Tim Ream also rested against Türkiye and is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside the other regular starters. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina placed third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada with a 1-1-1 record and a minus-one goal differential. Its only win came against Qatar in the final group-stage match, securing the country’s first trip to the knockout stage in just its second World Cup appearance after debuting in 2014. 

The expanded 48-team World Cup added a Round of 32, giving the United States an opportunity to earn its first knockout-stage victory since its quarterfinal run 24 years ago. 

With a win on Wednesday night, the USMNT will advance to face the winner of the Belgium-Senegal match.