The USA Men's National Team is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the World Cup in Santa Clara, California. This match comes after the USA secured top spot in Group D, winning their first two games against Paraguay and Australia. However, they suffered a 3-2 loss to Turkiye in their final group stage match, a game in which coach Mauricio Pochettino made 10 changes to the starting lineup to rest key players and avoid yellow card suspensions for players like Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Folarin Balogun. Despite the loss to Turkiye, the team's enthusiasm remains high, with USA defender Mark McKenzie expressing the team's ambition to "win the whole thing."
Pochettino's tactical approach has evolved, shifting from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to a three-at-the-back setup to leverage wing support from players like Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson for Christian Pulisic and Sergino Dest. The team employs an "all-out, high-pressing approach," often conceding throw-ins to initiate the press. Key players in the starting XI include goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards, and midfielder Malik Tillman. Veteran Tim Ream, 38, provides composure in central defense alongside Richards, while Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie join Tillman in midfield. Upfront, Folarin Balogun is flanked by Dest and Pulisic, with Ricardo Pepi also an option.
Injuries have been a concern, with Christian Pulisic experiencing a calf issue that led to his substitution in the opening match and his absence against Australia. He did make a 32-minute appearance as a substitute against Turkiye, which is seen as a positive sign for his availability in the knockout rounds. Antonee Robinson, who had been slowed by injury a year ago, is coming off a strong English Premier League season. Alex Freeman, who earned his first cap last year, has become a regular in the lineup and scored his first World Cup goal against Australia. Auston Trusty also sustained an ankle injury in the Turkiye match. Former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, initially skeptical of the USA's World Cup chances, changed his view after their strong group stage performance, though others like Howard remain doubtful of their ability to win the tournament.
The USA now holds a World Cup record of three wins, 15 losses, and seven draws against European teams, with only one victory since 1950. Their path to the quarterfinals in 2002 saw them defeat Mexico 2-0 before losing 1-0 to Germany. The team has never advanced past the quarterfinals and has not reached that stage since 2002. They have a 9% chance of winning their Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Opta Analyst, who notes that Bosnia is the lowest-rated opponent the U.S. has ever faced in a knockout tie based on ELO ratings.
Coach Pochettino emphasized that the team's legacy will be defined by their performance in the knockout rounds, dismissing the idea of simply making history by winning group games. Captain Tim Ream echoed this sentiment, stating, "To make history is to win a World Cup, it’s not to win three games in a World Cup." The team aims to utilize the momentum from their group stage performance and address the risks associated with their aggressive pressing tactics, such as being nutmegged, which occurred in the decisive sequence against Turkiye. They will need to adjust their play for stronger competition, requiring patience and varied game speeds beyond their high-energy approach.
