Soccer fans got a little carried away with the calendar. With the World Cup knockout rounds starting and July 4 right there, the idea of a USA vs. England showdown on Independence Day sounded too perfect to be true. That’s because it is.
The short answer: No chance. Not on the Fourth. Not anywhere close to it, actually.
The US men’s national team wrapped up Group D with the top spot and six points, scoring eight goals in three games. That included a nervy 3-2 loss to Turkey in the finale, but manager Mauricio Pochettino’s squad already had the job done. Christian Pulisic returned from a calf injury as a second-half sub in that match, and he’ll be crucial for what comes next.
The Real Schedule for the USMNT
The Americans open the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. That’s a winnable game against the 62nd-ranked Dragons, but it’s single elimination now. Win or go home.
If the US gets past Bosnia, they head to Seattle for the Round of 16 on July 6. Their opponent would be either Belgium or Senegal. That’s where it gets real. No room for slow starts.
England Is on the Other Side of the Bracket
England won Group L with seven points and will face DR Congo in their own Round of 32 match. But because of how FIFA set up the knockout bracket, the two teams are on completely opposite sides of the draw. They could only meet in the final. And even then, that’s a long way off.
Tournament organizers didn’t schedule any matches for July 4 either. So much for that blockbuster script.
Still, the drama is just getting started. The expanded bracket means more games, more chaos, and more chances for something wild to happen. Pulisic and company have a real path if they can take care of business against Bosnia first. One game at a time. That’s how World Cup runs work.
Pop the popcorn, crack a drink, and watch the bracket play out. The Fourth might not have the US vs. England, but the knockout chaos is exactly what makes this tournament worth the hype.
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