USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Prediction. Co-hosts USA, Group D winners, face Bosnia and Herzegovina — enjoying the greatest achievement in their World Cup history — at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara on Thursday, 2 July 2026 (00:00 UTC / 03:00 EAT). Balogun and Pulisic lead a strong USA attack; Džeko and Demirović lead Bosnia’s. Our prediction: USA to win. Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Round of 32 |
| Date & kick-off | Thursday, 2 July 2026 at 00:00 UTC / 03:00 EAT |
| Venue | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara (San Francisco Bay Area), California, USA |
| How they qualified | USA: Group D winners (beat Paraguay 4-1, beat Australia 2-0, lost Turkey 3-2). Bosnia and Herzegovina: best third-placed team from Group B (drew Canada 1-1, lost Switzerland 4-1, beat Qatar 3-1). |
| Historic significance | Bosnia and Herzegovina making only their second World Cup appearance (debuted 2014). Reaching the knockout stage is the greatest achievement in their World Cup history. |
| Format | Single elimination. If level after 90 mins: 30 mins extra time, then penalty shoot-out. |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
Home advantage for USA vs Bosnia’s historic adventure
The United States head into the knockout stages as Group D winners after collecting six points from their opening two matches before suffering a narrow defeat in their final group game. Mauricio Pochettino’s side made an impressive start, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before comfortably overcoming Australia 2-0 to book their place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare. Although they lost 3-2 to Turkey in their final group fixture, the Americans still finished top of the group thanks to their superior performances earlier in the campaign.
Playing on home soil has given the Stars and Stripes extra confidence, and they will be aiming to reach the Round of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup after also making the knockout stages in Qatar four years ago. Christian Pulisic has once again been the creative heartbeat of the team, while Folarin Balogun has continued his fine form in front of goal after scoring twice during the group stage. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have also provided energy and control in midfield.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s route to the knockout rounds has been far more dramatic. Sergej Barbarez’s side opened with a 1-1 draw against Canada before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. However, a crucial 3-1 victory over Qatar in their final group match secured four points, enough to qualify among the best third-placed nations. The Dragons are making only their second-ever World Cup appearance after debuting in 2014, and reaching the knockout rounds represents the greatest achievement in their World Cup history.
Veteran striker Edin Džeko continues to lead the attack despite being yet to score in the tournament, while Ermedin Demirović and Esmir Bajraktarević have added pace and creativity in the final third.
Availability
| Player | Status |
| Christian Roldan (USA) | BEING ASSESSED |
| Mark McKenzie (USA) | BEING ASSESSED |
| Auston Trusty (USA) | BEING ASSESSED. |
| Tarik Muharemović (Bosnia and Herzegovina) | AVAILABLE — returns after serving suspension. |
| Amar Dedíć (Bosnia and Herzegovina) | Thigh injury, but training for the match against USA. |
Team news and expected line-ups
USA: Core of group-stage XI retained. Balogun spearheads, supported by Pulisic and McKennie. Adams anchors midfield. Dest and Robinson provide width.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Muharemović returns from suspension. Dedíć training ahead of the match, after the thigh injury. Džeko leads despite no tournament goals yet. Demirović partners him. Kolašinac marshals defence.
| USA (4-3-3) | Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-4-2) |
| Freese (GK) | Vasilj (GK) |
| Freeman (RB) | Dedíć (RB) |
| Ream (CB) | Katić (CB) |
| Richards (CB) | Muharemović (CB) |
| Robinson (LB) | Kolašinac (LB) |
| Adams (DM) | Bajraktarević (RM) |
| Tillman (CM) | Šunjić (CM) |
| Dest (RW) | Bašić (CM) |
| McKennie (CM) | Alajbegović (LM) |
| Pulisic (LW) | Džeko (ST) |
| Balogun (ST) | Demirović (ST) |
Key stats
- USA: Group D winners. Beat Paraguay 4-1 (MD1), beat Australia 2-0 (MD2), lost Turkey 3-2 (MD3).
- USA: scored 9 goals in 3 group matches — one of the standout attacking records in the tournament.
- Folarin Balogun: scored twice during the group stage.
- Christian Pulisic: creative heartbeat of the USA attack.
- Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie: energy and control in midfield.
- USA: aiming for the Round of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup (also reached it in Qatar 2022).
- USA form (last 6): won 4 of last 6 matches in all competitions.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: best third-placed team from Group B. Drew Canada 1-1 (MD1), lost Switzerland 4-1 (MD2), beat Qatar 3-1 (MD3).
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: making only their second-ever World Cup appearance (debuted 2014).
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: conceded 5 goals during the group stage — defensive lapses a concern.
- Edin Džeko: leads the attack, yet to score in this tournament.
- Ermedin Demirović and Esmir Bajraktarević: pace and creativity in the final third.
- H2H: only 3 previous meetings, all friendlies. USA W2 Bosnia and Herzegovina W1.
- Most recent meeting: USA 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (December 2021).
Head-to-head
The two nations have met only three times previously, all in international friendlies. The United States have won two of those encounters, including a 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting in December 2021, while Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed one win. This World Cup Round of 32 match is their first ever competitive fixture.
| All-time H2H | USA W2 L1 (Bosnia and Herzegovina W1) from 3 meetings, all friendlies |
| Most recent meeting | USA 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (December 2021, Friendly) |
| First competitive meeting | This match — Round of 32, 2 July 2026 |
Current form
| Team | Last 6 (inc. WC group stage) |
| USA | Won 4 of last 6; 9 goals scored in 3 group matches |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Resilient route to qualification; conceded 5 goals in group stage |
Our prediction
Bosnia and Herzegovina have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout rounds and possess enough attacking quality to trouble the hosts, especially through the experienced Džeko and the energetic Demirović.
However, the United States have looked more balanced throughout the tournament. Their high pressing, quick transitions and home support should allow them to dictate the tempo for long spells. While Bosnia are capable of making the contest competitive, the Americans’ greater pace in attack and midfield intensity should ultimately prove decisive.
Our prediction: USA to win.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 0300 hrs UTC on 02/07/2026 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kick off?
Kick-off is at 00:00 UTC / 03:00 EAT on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara (San Francisco Bay Area), California, USA.
Is this Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first ever World Cup knockout match?
Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina are making only their second-ever World Cup appearance, having debuted in 2014. Reaching the Round of 32 represents the greatest achievement in their World Cup history.
Has Edin Džeko scored at World Cup 2026?
No. The veteran striker continues to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina’s attack but is yet to find the net in this tournament. He remains the team’s most experienced and important attacking figure regardless.
Is Amar Dedíć playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Dedíć is a doubt due to a thigh injury. Confirm his fitness and starting status in the official team announcement before kick-off.
Have USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina played each other before?
Yes, three times, all in international friendlies. The USA have won two, including a 1-0 victory in December 2021, while Bosnia and Herzegovina won one. This Round of 32 match is their first ever competitive fixture.
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