The United States won Group D in dominant fashion with wins over Paraguay and Australia, secured knockout qualification after two games, and rested starters against Turkey. Now comes the real test: a do-or-die knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara at 8 PM ET.
But there is a number hanging over this team: 10 consecutive losses against European opponents. The USMNT haven't beaten a European side since 2022. Mauricio Pochettino dismissed it as noise, but the players know it is there.
Christian Pulisic is back to full fitness. The US captain came off the bench against Turkey and declared himself ready to start. Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun will be tasked with breaking down a Bosnia side that advanced as a third-place team with a draw against Canada and a win over Qatar.
Bosnia's Threat
FIFA ranking (64th) aside, Bosnia has quality. Ermedin Demirovic is dangerous up top, and Ivan Sunjic provides bite in midfield. Bosnia will sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the break. The longer they stay level, the more nervous the home crowd gets.
Pick: USA ML (-280) | Under 2.5 total goals | Pulisic anytime scorer (+175)
Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks covers sports betting and analysis with a focus on form, matchups, team trends, and the factors that shape competitive events.