The Americans had not played any official matches for a year after their defeat in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The results of their friendlies, especially in 2026, did not inspire much optimism. Luckily, they started their “home” World Cup with an easy draw against a weak Paraguay side, crushing them 4-1. They then confidently beat Australia 2-0. Having secured progression to the playoffs, the players could afford a shootout with Turkey, who took the win in stoppage time, scoring 3-2 in their favor.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished second in their qualification group. In March, they managed to overcome both Wales and, sensationally, Italy—winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw. They repeated that score in the opening round of their long-awaited World Cup, letting a lead slip against Canada, and then suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Switzerland. However, in a decisive match against Qatar, they managed to win 3-1, reaching the playoffs for the first time ever.
The United States currently average 2.3 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game. Their next opponent has less spectacular statistics: 1.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match.
Previous Matches: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Between 2013 and 2021, the teams met three times. The Americans won twice, with a draw sandwiched between those victories.
There is little reason to expect major changes in this pairing—we believe Pochettino’s side will win again, and likely with a “-1 goal” handicap (odds – 1.8).
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Key Statistics and Trends
USA have already won twice at this World Cup
80% of USA’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 4.1 goals per match
Bosnia and Herzegovina have drawn six of their last eight games
90% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average of 2.8 goals per match
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Probable Starting Lineups
USA is likely to start in a 1-3-5-2 formation (probable lineup): Frieze – Ream, Richards, Freeman – Robinson, Dest, Adams, McKennie, Tillman – Pepi, Balogun
Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Vasilj – Kolasinac, Radeljic, Katic, Malic – Alibegovic, Sunjic, Basic, Bayraktarevic – Dzeko, Demirovic. Muharemovic was sent off in the previous match
