USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina prediction 02.07.2026 | World Cup

The USA have made big progress in the last few decades, but they are still waiting for their first World Cup semifinal. The biggest success remains the 2002 quarterfinal, and Mauricio Pochettino's team is hoping to take at least one step further this year. The Yanks were impressive in their first two matches, beating Paraguay and Australia 4-1 and 2-0, respectively. The USA wrapped up the group stage with a 3-2 defeat to Turkey, but that result came after Pochettino rested most of his regular starters, so it should be viewed in the proper context. 

The USA were marvelous in the first two games of the group phase, but what should worry the Yanks is their record against European teams. The defeat to Turkey is their 10th consecutive defeat against a UEFA member. Pochettino has worked in Europe for so long, but even he hasn't found the solution yet, having led the USA to six defeats in six matches. 

Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Cristian Roldan are injured, but all three could recover in time to participate against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

With the progress to the knockout phase, Bosnia and Herzegovina had already achieved their biggest success in history. Before 2026, the European team appeared in only one World Cup, and now, after reaching the 1/16 final, they have the opportunity to go even further. In the group phase, Bosnia and Herzegovina opened with one point against Canada and Switzerland. Still, a comfortable 3-1 victory in the final round was enough for a historic place in the knockout phase. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina have some problems in defense. They conceded at least one goal in 11 of the last 12 matches. The USA were impressive offensively in the group phase, and Bosnia and Herzegovina could have a tough night in San Francisco. 

The good news for Sergej Barbarez and his team is that Tarik Muharemovic served his suspension and will return to the starting lineup.