--- title: "USMNT eyes knockout breakthrough vs Bosnia and Herzegovina" description: "A World Cup round of 32 clash where history and debut collide for the US and Bosnia." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/usmnt-predicted-lineup-prediction-usa-face-off-with-bosnia-a0c7bce8 published: 2026-07-03T08:06:22.667+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:06:22.667+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # USMNT eyes knockout breakthrough vs Bosnia and Herzegovina > A World Cup round of 32 clash where history and debut collide for the US and Bosnia. The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32 on December 4, 2022, at 10:00 ET in Al Rayyan, seeking its first knockout victory since 2002. Bosnia and Herzegovina, making its World Cup debut, has never played in a knockout match at the tournament. The US enters with a 2-1 group-stage record, finishing second behind England in Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina topped Group F with a 1-0-2 record, including a 0-0 draw with Brazil. Neither side scored more than one goal in group play, setting up a tight, low-scoring knockout opener. The USMNT has lost five of its last six World Cup knockout games, including defeats to Belgium (2014), Portugal (2010), and Ghana (2006). Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best World Cup performance is a group-stage exit in 2014, its only prior appearance. This match is the first time the two nations meet in a competitive fixture. The tactical contrast is stark: the USMNT relies on a high-pressing, transition-heavy system under Berhalter, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s deep block and counterattacks could exploit gaps. The Americans’ midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, and Weston McKennie must control tempo against Bosnia’s disciplined structure. For Bosnia, striker Edin Džeko’s hold-up play and movement will be pivotal in breaking down a resolute US defense. The psychological weight is heavier for the US. A knockout loss would extend a 20-year trophy drought and raise questions about Berhalter’s future. Bosnia, meanwhile, carries no pressure—only the chance to make history. The matchup also tests the US’s depth: injuries to key players like Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson could force Berhalter into untested alternatives. U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter framed the game as a chance to flip the script: “We’ve talked about this being a tournament of moments. This is one of those moments where we have to show what we’re made of.” Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Faruk Hadžibegić echoed the stakes: “We are here to play, to represent our country, and to make history.” The USMNT’s knockout struggles aren’t just a matter of bad luck; they reflect deeper issues in transition defense and set-piece vulnerability. Since 2002, the Americans have conceded 12 goals in knockout games—nearly half from set pieces—while scoring just six. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, has conceded only one goal in its three group games, a stat that speaks to its defensive resilience. The Americans’ ability to neutralize Džeko while preventing quick counters will determine whether they can finally end their knockout jinx. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to relevance hinges on turning its World Cup debut into a statement. A win would mark the first knockout victory in the nation’s football history, while a draw could force extra time and test their stamina in a high-pressure environment. The lack of knockout experience for both teams means the match could hinge on individual moments—mistakes, saves, or a single goal—rather than sustained dominance. What's next: A USMNT win would end a 20-year knockout drought and set up a potential Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path hinges on defying odds against a team with far more World Cup knockout experience. ## Why this matters This match is a referendum on the USMNT’s ability to shed its knockout demons and validate its progress under Berhalter. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s a chance to announce itself on the global stage and rewrite its own narrative. The contrast—one team chasing redemption, the other chasing relevance—makes this a must-watch knockout collision. The tactical chess match between Berhalter’s pressing system and Hadžibegić’s pragmatic approach adds another layer of intrigue, with both sides knowing a single mistake could end their tournament dreams. The psychological edge could tilt the game: the US carries the burden of expectation, while Bosnia approaches with the freedom of a debutant. ## Frequently asked ### When and where is the USMNT vs Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup match? The match is scheduled for December 4, 2022, at 10:00 ET in Al Rayyan, Qatar. ### Has the USMNT ever won a World Cup knockout game? No. The USMNT last won a knockout game at the World Cup in 2002, a 2-0 win over Mexico in the Round of 16. ### Is this Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first World Cup appearance? Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina is making its World Cup debut in 2022, having never qualified before. ### What are the group-stage results for both teams? The USMNT finished 2-1 in Group B (second behind England), while Bosnia and Herzegovina went 1-0-2 in Group F (first in its group). ### Who are the head coaches for both teams? Gregg Berhalter coaches the USMNT, while Faruk Hadžibegić leads Bosnia and Herzegovina. ### What tactical systems will each team likely deploy? The USMNT is expected to play a high-pressing, transition-heavy system, while Bosnia and Herzegovina may use a deep block with counterattacking threats centered on Edin Džeko. ## Sources & Citations - [USMNT predicted lineup, prediction: USA face off with Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup round of 32]( https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/usmnt-predicted-lineup-prediction-usa-bosnia-world-cup/ ) — CBS Sports Soccer (2026-07-01) --- Cite: USMNT eyes knockout breakthrough vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/usmnt-predicted-lineup-prediction-usa-face-off-with-bosnia-a0c7bce8