Pulisic vs Džeko: USA, Bosnia 0-0 at World Cup Break

Q: What is the current score?

The United States and Bosnia are tied 0-0 at halftime in their World Cup 2026 knockout match.

Q: Who are the key players?

Christian Pulisic for the USA and Edin Džeko for Bosnia are the central figures driving their teams in this tactical duel.

Q: How was the first half played?

It was a tense, tactical chess match with the U.S. pushing the tempo and Bosnia using physicality to counter, resulting in few clear chances.

Q: What is at stake in this game?

The winner advances to the next round of the World Cup, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

The United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina remain deadlocked at 0-0 after a tactical first half in their World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, a stalemate defined by the star-power duel between Christian Pulisic and Edin Džeko. The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a chess match rather than a shootout, with both sides probing for weaknesses without committing too many bodies forward. The U.S. attempted to dictate the tempo, utilizing Pulisic’s creativity to unlock a compact Bosnian defense, but the final ball lacked the precision to break the deadlock. Bosnia responded with trademark physicality, disrupting American rhythm in midfield and relying on Džeko’s hold-up play to transition quickly into dangerous areas. Clear-cut opportunities were scarce in a tense atmosphere, yet the game simmered with the threat of explosion. Both goalkeepers were tested, though neither side managed to land a decisive blow. The Americans carved out half-chances through wide play, while Bosnia threatened on the counter, exploiting moments when the U.S. pushed too high. It was a classic knockout-stage stalemate, heavy on pressing and light on finishing, leaving the impression that a single moment of individual brilliance could decide the outcome. The midfield battle has been the primary engine of this stalemate, with neither side willing to cede control of the central third. The United States has struggled to turn possession into penetration because Bosnia’s defensive shape remains rigid, forcing the Americans wide where crosses are easily cleared. Conversely, Bosnia’s reliance on Džeko as a lone target man has rendered them predictable in attack, allowing the U.S. center-backs to crowd him out before he can lay the ball off to supporting runners. This tactical rigidity suggests that the first goal, if it comes, will likely stem from a defensive error or a moment of individual magic rather than a structured team move. The psychological weight of the knockout stage is palpable, manifesting in a hesitancy that has plagued both final thirds. Unlike the group stage where a draw can be a useful result, the binary nature of this round creates a paralyzing fear of making a mistake. This explains the conservative passing percentages and the reluctance of fullbacks to overlap aggressively. As fatigue sets in, the mental game becomes the deciding factor; the team that can manage the rising anxiety and stick to their game plan without overcommitting will likely find the breakthrough in the dying embers of the match. The narrative of the match has centered on the individual battle between the two captains, with Pulisic trying to drag his side forward and Džeko serving as the physical focal point for Bosnia’s resistance. The tension in the stadium reflects the high stakes, as every tackle is met with roars and every misplaced pass draws groans. This is not just a game of tactics; it is a test of nerve, with both squads fully aware that the next goal could fundamentally alter the complexion of the entire tournament. The second half promises a shift in intensity as the stalemate becomes increasingly dangerous for both managers. Expect the U.S. to ramp up the pressure earlier in the period, while Bosnia may look to introduce fresh legs to exploit the spaces left by an attacking American side. With the score level, the tactical chess match is likely to give way to end-to-end chaos, where the mental fortitude of Pulisic and Džeko will be just as important as their technical skill. Historically, matches between these two nations have been tight affairs, with the last three meetings ending in draws. This trend underscores the evenly matched nature of the teams, where small margins and individual moments often determine the outcome. The current stalemate fits this pattern, but with the added pressure of knockout football, the second half could see a more open and risky approach from both sides. The tactical adjustments made by both managers at halftime will be crucial. Gregg Berhalter may opt to bring on a more direct attacker to stretch the Bosnian defense, while Ivaylo Petev could reinforce his midfield to maintain control and launch more effective counters. The ability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the game will be key, as both teams seek to capitalize on any weaknesses exposed by fatigue or increased urgency.

Why this matters

Frequently asked

Source

Related to FIFA World Cup 2026

USA opens World Cup 2026 with 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Spain, Portugal, Switzerland face must-win tests

World Cup 2026 kits: retro England, pink boots, and the Brazil Seventies revival

Azteca’s thin air: England’s World Cup 2026 acid test vs Mexico

Editor's picks

Bronze secures Chelsea future through 2027

Alistair Johnston on the Unique Experience of a Home World Cup

Michel Der Zakarian Returns to FC Nantes After Ten Years

Bayern Munich Reacts to Lennart Karl's Injury

Up next

2026 World Cup: The Propaganda Stage No One Wanted

Lavoie, Heinola headline 11 Golden Knights signings

Mammoth sign Zac Jones to two-year contract

Capitals sign Boone Jenner, Vincent Desharnais to 4-year deals

Portugal vs. Croatia: 2026 World Cup knockout thriller takes shape

Spurs’ Mateus Fernandes gamble: Potential or overpayment?

More news

Spurs secure £100m deal for Newcastle's Tonali

Graham Bradley, 1983 Gold Cup Legend, Dies Aged 65

Yamal Leads Spain vs Austria in Round of 16

Spain vs Austria: Round of 16 showdown kicks off in LA

More about Soccer

Portugal vs. Croatia: 2026 World Cup knockout thriller takes shape

The ref who shielded Messi now officiating Argentina vs Cape Verde

AI simulation 'predicted' Mason Greenwood's Marseille exit before it happened

Pogačar, Vingegaard, Roglič Top 2026 Tour Picks

Related to FIFA World Cup 2026

USA opens World Cup 2026 with 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Spain, Portugal, Switzerland face must-win tests

World Cup 2026 kits: retro England, pink boots, and the Brazil Seventies revival

Azteca’s thin air: England’s World Cup 2026 acid test vs Mexico

More news

Spurs secure £100m deal for Newcastle's Tonali

Graham Bradley, 1983 Gold Cup Legend, Dies Aged 65

Yamal Leads Spain vs Austria in Round of 16

Spain vs Austria: Round of 16 showdown kicks off in LA

More about Soccer

Portugal vs. Croatia: 2026 World Cup knockout thriller takes shape

The ref who shielded Messi now officiating Argentina vs Cape Verde

AI simulation 'predicted' Mason Greenwood's Marseille exit before it happened

Pogačar, Vingegaard, Roglič Top 2026 Tour Picks

Editor's picks

Bronze secures Chelsea future through 2027

Alistair Johnston on the Unique Experience of a Home World Cup

Michel Der Zakarian Returns to FC Nantes After Ten Years

Bayern Munich Reacts to Lennart Karl's Injury

Up next

2026 World Cup: The Propaganda Stage No One Wanted

Lavoie, Heinola headline 11 Golden Knights signings

Mammoth sign Zac Jones to two-year contract

Capitals sign Boone Jenner, Vincent Desharnais to 4-year deals

Portugal vs. Croatia: 2026 World Cup knockout thriller takes shape

Spurs’ Mateus Fernandes gamble: Potential or overpayment?