The US national team has officially announced the starting lineup for the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina, fielding attacking cores Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. In this knockout stage where defeat means elimination, this lineup clearly demonstrates the manager's intention to challenge with the strongest attacking lineup, and as a team, it conveys a strong will to advance in the tournament. The biggest focus in this squad selection is the composition of the attack.
Folarin Balogun has been confirmed to start, and the focus is on what threat his hold-up play and finishing ability will pose to the Bosnian defensive line. Balogun possesses the strength to play with his back to opposing defenders and composure in front of goal, shouldering the crucial role of scoring in this important match. Furthermore, Christian Pulisic's start is also confirmed.
He is a proven player who has led the team's attack so far, and is expected to break down the opponent's formation with creative passing and individual dribbling. With both Pulisic and Balogun on the pitch, the US attack becomes more diverse, creating a situation that is difficult for opponents to defend. Whether the link-up between these two players functions holds the key to the attacking aspect of this match.
Defensively, a formation blending experience and youth has been deployed. Matt Freese has been selected in goal. Choosing Freese in goal for the high-pressure knockout stage is proof that his saving ability and build-up accuracy are trusted.
Defending behind Freese are defenders such as Sergiño Dest and Chris Richards. Dest, in addition to his attacking ability as a full-back, is highly committed defensively and is an indispensable presence for maintaining the team's balance. Richards, on the other hand, is characterised by his strength in aerial duels and tenacity in one-on-one defending as a centre-back, serving as a key figure in containing the Bosnian attack.
How this defensive line keeps the opponent's attack to zero goals and supplies the ball to the attackers will be an extremely important factor in plotting a path to victory. The stage of the World Cup knockout round brings a different kind of tension and pressure compared to the group stage. Starting attacking players like Pulisic and Balogun in this context is a manifestation of an aggressive stance to actively aim for victory rather than sitting back and defending.
This tactical deployment can be described as a choice to seize the initiative and pin the opponent back. Supporters have high expectations for this aggressive formation, with many voices hoping to see exciting developments unfold at the stadium and in front of viewers. When each player fulfils their role and unites as a team, the US national team will likely secure a ticket to the quarter-finals.
The selection of Dest and Richards reflects tactical intent in build-up play, not merely strengthening defensive power. Richards' ball retention and Dest's penetration on the flanks are crucial weapons for breaking down Bosnia's expected defensive block. How quickly and accurately the ball is transported from the back to the front line is a prerequisite for unlocking the potential of Pulisic and Balogun.
If the defensive line does not succeed in the first pass, the splendid attack will end as a fairy tale, so the technical precision of the defenders is questioned more than ever. This lineup is tantamount to the manager issuing a clear instruction of "don't let it end in a draw". By simultaneously deploying Pulisic's captaincy and Balogun's finishing, the team has abandoned a passive battle and chosen to create their own pace.
Amidst the cautious developments expected in the knockout stage, the attitude of boldly playing an attacking card is the best strategy to keep pressuring the opponent and induce mistakes. A thirst for victory oozes from the starting XI, and this should spread to all players on the field. This match, staking a place in the next stage, the quarter-finals, is an important game that the US national team cannot avoid.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team is also a capable team that has advanced to the knockout stage and should not be easily broken down. However, if the attack centred on Pulisic and Balogun and the solid defence supported by Freese, Dest, Richards, and others work in tandem, there is a high possibility of victory. Kick-off is approaching, and under the world's attention, it will soon be revealed whether the US national team can grasp a historic victory.
There is no doubt that the result of this match will be the first step in building a new history for American football. The tactics for this match show an intention to aim for ball retention and quick attacks even against a solid defence, with Pulisic's creative play being the key. Furthermore, if Dest and Richards demonstrate the defensive line's true strength, the likelihood of preventing the opponent's counter-attacks while maintaining the rhythm of the attack increases.
Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina are known for their solid defence and organised midfielders in past tournaments, and their tactics rely on defensive compactness and quick transitions. If the US strengthens their control in midfield and creates chances with crosses from the flanks against this opponent, they will likely be able to completely control the flow of the match. Supporters' expectations are also rising, and the stadium atmosphere will be a factor that directly influences the players' performance. Read at Football Channel
Why this matters
In this crucial match staking a place in the World Cup knockout stage, what kind of strength the US national team challenges with is a matter of interest not only for supporters but for football fans worldwide. In particular, starting attacking key players Pulisic and Balogun clearly demonstrates that the team is approaching the match with an aggressive stance towards victory, serving as a crucial element that will influence the outcome of the game.
Frequently asked
Who is the starting GK for the US national team?
Matt Freese has been selected to start to guard the goalmouth in this match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What positions will Pulisic and Balogun play?
Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have both been announced to start as the core of the attack.
Who has been deployed in the defensive line?
Defenders such as Sergiño Dest and Chris Richards are named in the starting lineup.
