The Round of 32 picture is getting clearer for the USMNT, and it might involve a team that just punched its ticket in dramatic fashion.
Bosnia is through. They beat Qatar 3-1 in the final group stage match to finish third in Group B, behind Canada and the group winner Switzerland. That last result was a bit of a surprise. Switzerland took down Canada 2-1 at the exact same time, which flipped the group standings and gave the Swiss the top spot. All final group games are played simultaneously to keep things fair, and that timing matters for the Americans.
As the bracket stands right now, before the USMNT plays its own group finale on Thursday, Bosnia lines up as a potential opponent in the Round of 32. If things hold, the Americans would host Bosnia on July 1. But nothing is set. There’s still a chance the USMNT could end up facing the third-place finisher from Groups E, F, I, or J instead. That won’t be official until Thursday night at the earliest.
What Thursday Could Settle
Groups E and F play before the USMNT kicks off against Turkey. So by the time the Americans step on the pitch, they might already know who’s waiting for them in the next round. That’s not nothing. Knowing your opponent changes how you prep, even if the message from the coaching staff is always the same: focus on what’s in front of you.
Bosnia has been a tough out. They drew Canada, lost to Switzerland by a narrow margin, and then handled Qatar when they had to. The Swiss needed that win to claim the group, and Bosnia gave them enough trouble to make it interesting. If the USMNT draws Bosnia, it won’t be a walkover. It might be the hardest game they’ve played so far in this tournament.
The Americans have been rolling through two games. The momentum is real. And they’re expected to keep it going against Turkey. But momentum doesn’t win a knockout match by itself. Execution does.
A Fast Finish That Sealed It
Bosnia’s goal against Qatar came quick. Ermin Mahmic finished with a sharp strike, and the reaction online was immediate. It’s the kind of play that makes you look twice at that roster. They’re not just here to participate.
The USMNT would enter any matchup with Bosnia as the favorite. But being the favorite doesn’t guarantee anything. Just ask Switzerland what the group stage taught everyone about assumptions.
Stay tuned. By Thursday night, nearly half the groups will be locked in, and the Round of 32 bracket will start to look like something real. The USMNT will know who’s next. And so will everyone else.
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