The United States are into the World Cup knockout rounds. Their 3-2 loss to Türkiye may have dampened the mood slightly, but they'd already clinched first place in Group D before the match kicked off.
Now, they'll take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, with the winner set to take on the winner of Belgium and Senegal. It's a crucial match for the USMNT, and perhaps the only knockout match in their history in which they've been favorites.
Here are three keys we're watching in this match.
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Can the USMNT break down a compact low block?
Spoiler alert: Bosnia & Herzegovina like to defend. Deep.
After taking the lead in their tournament opener against Canada, Bosnia sat deep in a compact block, hardly venturing into the final third. In fact, per the excellent Futi app (seriously, do yourself a favor and download it) they've played the eighth-fewest passes into the penalty area of any team at the tournament.
In many ways, they're a very similar proposition to Paraguay or Australia. The United States will have the bulk of possession – likely upwards of 60% – and will be tasked with being the protagonists.
Scoring early will force Bosnia out of their defensive shell, and will be key to opening the match up.
• Nashville SC are hosting a watch party for the United States vs Bosnia at Geodis Park. Get your free tickets here.
• The American Outlaws host their watch parties at Tailgate on Music Row.
• Fogg Street Lawn Club has every World Cup match on.
Can the backline deal with Bosnia's set-piece threat?
Bosnia have scored three set piece goals, tied for the most at the tournament so far (along with the United States, among other teams). Without the pace or downhill dribblers to consistently threaten in transition, they rely heavily on their physicality and aerial ability.
At 40 years old, Edin Dzeko is no longer one of the world's elite No. 9s, but he's still more than capable of threatening in the penalty area. 28-year-old Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović is also a nightmare to defend in the air, and will demand full attention from Tim Ream, Weston McKennie, and Alex Freeman.
Equally important will be cutting off service from wide areas, and avoiding conceding any needless set pieces in their defensive third. Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson will need to stay tight to Bosnia's wide midfielders, closing down their crossing angles and force them back into the midfield.
Bosnia struggle to progress the ball and create chances from central areas. Keeping the game in the middle of the pitch will serve the USMNT.
How effective is Weston McKennie at stretching the field?
Throughout the tournament, Weston McKennie's ability to make runs behind the backline from midfield has been a massive part of the Americans' gameplan in attack.
One of my favorite parts of Mauricio Pochettino's setup this World Cup has been the ability to pull defenders high and centrally, occupying a wide defender with a wingback to set up the midfield run into the space in behind.
— Ben Wright (@benwright.bsky.social) June 25, 2026 at 9:38 AM
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With Malik Tillman dropping back to partner Tyler Adams in a midfield double pivot, McKennie is given the freedom to push forward in attack, an dhis ability to vary his runs and time his moments to get into the box is among the best in the world.
With Bosnia sitting in a deep block, these runs will be crucial to pulling their defensive shape apart and opening up space in the final third.
The World Cup is coming to the United States this summer, and more people than ever are curious about soccer in this country!
If you know someone who might be interested, consider sending them a gift subscription to SixOneFive Soccer, where we'll be covering the USMNT and the tournament at large. They might even get hooked and stick around for the MLS season!
