USA face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in the Round of 32 of the Football World Cup in 2026. This is the biggest match of the tournament so far for the co hosts, who topped Group D and now step into the knockout rounds on home soil for the first time. Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive having reached the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup match online, along with team news, kick-off times, broadcast options, squad details, and more.
Key Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST Thursday, July 2 / 5:30 a.m. IST Thursday, July 2)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
- Where to Watch: FOX and FOX One (USA) | BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK) | SBS (Australia) | Zee5 (India)
Where to Watch USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Football World Cup Match?
FOX and FOX One carry the match in the United States, while BBC One and BBC iPlayer show it free to air across the UK. Australian viewers can watch on SBS and Indian audiences can stream through Zee5.
BBC coverage in the UK is completely free with no subscription needed, and FOX One offers a streaming option for cord cutters in the US.
How to watch USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina with a VPN
If the match is unavailable in your region, a VPN unlocks free access to BBC iPlayer, one of the official broadcasters of this fixture. BBC iPlayer is geoblocked to the UK, so anyone outside the country needs a VPN to obtain a British IP address before signing in.
Follow these steps to get set up:
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app.
- Connect to a UK server to get a British IP address.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign in, or create a free account.
- Search for the USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match and start streaming live.
PureVPN’s terms of service require users to follow the rules of the streaming platform they access, and using a VPN for personal viewing is broadly accepted practice, though local laws vary by country.
USA Vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Football World Cup in 2026 Team News
USA Team News
Mauricio Pochettino leads the United States into this Round of 32 tie after guiding the Stars and Stripes to top spot in Group D. The Argentine former Tottenham and Chelsea manager took over the USMNT job in 2024 and has overseen a squad blending experienced Europe based players with breakout young talent.
The Americans opened the tournament in style, beating Paraguay 4 1 and Australia 2 0 to seal qualification with a game to spare. Pochettino then rotated heavily for the final group match, and his understrength side lost 3 2 to Turkiye after Kaan Ayhan scored a stoppage time winner. That result carried no consequences for USA’s position, and key men Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards are expected to return to the starting line up for this game.
Tim Ream captains the side at the age of 38, offering composure at the back alongside Chris Richards, who has recently returned from an ankle injury sustained at Crystal Palace. Christian Pulisic remains the attacking focal point, having been central to everything the USA have produced going forward at this World Cup. No fresh injury or suspension concerns have been officially confirmed for the USA heading into kick-off, with Christian Roldan, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty facing late fitness checks.
Pochettino typically sets his team up in a 4 2 3 1 shape, pressing high through midfield and looking to release Pulisic and the front line in transition. With home advantage in California and a deep, talented squad, the pressure is on the co hosts to deliver a first World Cup knockout win since 2002.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Team News
Sergej Barbarez took charge of Bosnia and Herzegovina and steered the Dragons through a dramatic qualification campaign to reach only their second ever World Cup. His side beat Wales on penalties in Cardiff before overcoming Italy in a playoff final that saw the Italians reduced to ten men, sealing a historic return to the finals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina opened Group B with a resilient 1 1 draw against co hosts Canada, showing defensive discipline against tough opposition. They were then well beaten 4 1 by Switzerland, a game in which defender Tarik Muharemovic was sent off, before bouncing back with a 3 1 win over Qatar that clinched their place in the knockouts.
Captain Edin Dzeko leads the line at 40 years old, standing as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all time leader in caps and goals for the national team. Muharemovic returns from suspension for this match, giving Barbarez a significant boost as he looks to stabilise a defense that struggled against Switzerland’s pace. No further injuries or suspensions have been declared for Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of kick-off.
Barbarez’s team is built to defend deep and hit teams on the counter, relying on the physical presence of Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic up top. Wingers Esmir Bajraktarevic and Kerim Alajbegovic offer pace out wide, giving the Dragons an outlet to break quickly once possession is won back. Reaching the Round of 32 already represents a landmark achievement, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will approach this tie with nothing to lose against the tournament co hosts.
USA World Cup squad
- Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Matt Freese, Chris Brady
- Defenders: Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Auston Trusty, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Maximilian Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman
- Attackers: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Alejandro Zendejas
Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup squad
- Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic, Osman Hadzikic
- Defenders: Sead Kolasinac, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Amar Dedic, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Nihad Mujakic, Stjepan Radeljic, Nidal Celik
- Midfielders: Amir Hadziahmetovic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Armin Gigovic, Dzenis Burnic, Ivan Basic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Amar Memic, Ivan Sunjic, Kerim Alajbegovic, Ermin Mahmic
- Attackers: Edin Dzeko, Ermedin Demirovic, Samed Bazdar, Haris Tabakovic, Jovo Lukic
USA VS Bosnia and Herzegovina Match Preview
USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet on Wednesday, July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a venue that has already hosted five group stage matches at this World Cup. It is a first ever competitive meeting between the two nations, adding extra intrigue to a tie that will decide who advances to face the winner of Belgium and Senegal in the Round of 16.
USA arrive on the back of a perfect group campaign that included wins over Paraguay and Australia, with only a rotated side’s defeat to Turkiye disrupting a clean run. Bosnia and Herzegovina survived a tougher route, drawing with Canada and losing to Switzerland before edging past Qatar to sneak through as one of the strongest third placed teams.
The stakes are considerable for both sides, with USA under pressure to deliver a deep run as co hosts and end a knockout drought stretching back to 2002. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, simply reaching this stage is already historic, and there is little pressure attached beyond enjoying an unexpected adventure on American soil.
Tactical Outlook
USA are expected to line up in a 4 2 3 1, pressing aggressively through midfield with Tyler Adams screening the back four and Christian Pulisic pulling the strings behind Folarin Balogun.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to sit in a deeper block, inviting pressure before looking to spring Bajraktarevic and Alajbegovic in behind on the counter.
A key individual matchup will see USA’s attacking width against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s returning centre back Tarik Muharemovic, whose recovery from suspension is central to the Dragons containing the hosts.
USA need control of midfield and an early goal to force Bosnia and Herzegovina out of their defensive shape, while the Dragons need Dzeko and Demirovic to make the most of limited chances on the break.
2026 Football World Cup Preview
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the Football World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
2026 Football World Cup Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded Football World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, this Football World Cup lasts 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in the 2026 Football World Cup
There are 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where games take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match was especially historic. The tournament kicked off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico faced South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in Football World Cup history and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s Football World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The knockout stage will conclude with the final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
The Stars to Watch in the 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 Football World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final Football World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his Football World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final Football World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
2026 Football World Cup Knockout Stage: The Road to the Final
The knockout stage of the 2026 Football World Cup is the second and final stage of the competition, played from June 28 to July 19, 2026. The top two teams from each of the twelve groups, along with the best eight third-place teams, have advanced to compete in a single-elimination tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is ready to enter its knockout stage. Here's how the tournament's next phase differs from the group stage. https://t.co/ZUtq2tVWQo
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 28, 2026
Football World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Schedule
| Round | Date | Match / Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 | Canada vs. South Africa |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Brazil vs. Japan |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Germany vs. Paraguay |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Netherlands vs. Morocco |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Ivory Coast vs. Norway |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | France vs. Sweden |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Mexico vs. Ecuador |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | England vs. DR Congo |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | Belgium vs. Senegal |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Round of 32 | Thursday, July 2 | Spain vs. Austria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Portugal vs. Croatia |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Switzerland vs. Algeria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Australia vs. Egypt |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Argentina vs. Cape Verde |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Colombia vs. Ghana |
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures ⚽
— World of StatHistics (@Stat_Cult) June 28, 2026
🗓️ Sunday, June 28
🇿🇦 South Africa – Canada 🇨🇦 →
🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi)
🗓️ Monday, June 29
🔥 🇧🇷 Brazil – Japan 🇯🇵 →
🏟️ Houston Stadium (NRG)
🇩🇪 Germany – Paraguay 🇵🇾 →
🏟️ Boston Stadium (Gillette)
🇳🇱 Netherlands –… pic.twitter.com/Upoc5irwla
2026 Football World Cup Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Mexico has 3 stadiums like this and still got just 13 matches to host and USA is hosting 78 matches.
— Rahul Raj (@RahulRajVerse) June 28, 2026
Mexico is definitely Robbed😢😭 pic.twitter.com/HMyhQJ1Xhk
Prize Money and Commercial Scale of the 2026 Football World Cup
The prize money for this Football World Cup was confirmed at an official meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s Football World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended Football World Cup with 3.6 million fans. That record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
2026 Football World Cup Official Broadcasters
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
2026 Football World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest Football World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last Football World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
The match takes place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, kicking off at 5 p.m. PT.
It is a Round of 32 knockout tie, with the winner advancing to face either Belgium or Senegal in the Round of 16.
USA won their opening two group games against Paraguay and Australia before losing 3 2 to Turkiye with a heavily rotated side in a dead rubber fixture.
Captain Edin Dzeko leads the line as the nation’s all time top scorer, supported by striker Ermedin Demirovic and wingers Esmir Bajraktarevic and Kerim Alajbegovic.
Using a VPN for personal streaming is broadly accepted in most countries, though viewers should always check local regulations and the terms of service of the platform being accessed.
Yes, the two sides have met three times previously, all in international friendlies, with the USA winning two and drawing one of those meetings.
