- USA predicted lineup: Mauricio Pochettino set to recall key stars for Round of 32 clash.
- The match kicks off on Thursday, July 2 from 3:00AM EAT at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California) .
- Both sides eye historical round of 16.
The United States men’s national team heads into the Round of 32 as one of the favourites to progress after finishing top of Group D despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye in their final group-stage fixture.
With qualification already secured before that encounter, head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to heavily rotate his squad, handing opportunities to several fringe players while resting key starters.
Although the result ended the Americans’ perfect group-stage record, the Argentine tactician achieved his primary objective of keeping his first-choice players fresh and avoiding injuries or suspension concerns ahead of the knockout rounds.
ALSO READ: USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina prediction: World Cup Round of 32 preview, team news, lineups & h2h
Facing Bosnia & Herzegovina now demands a return to the strongest available lineup. The knockout stage leaves no room for error, and Pochettino is expected to restore the spine of the side that impressed in victories over Paraguay and Australia.
Matt Freese is tipped to reclaim the goalkeeper’s jersey after the coaching staff showed greater confidence in his command of the penalty area and ability to initiate attacks from the back.
His distribution and composure under pressure could prove vital against a Bosnia side expected to defend deep before looking to strike on the counterattack.
The back four should also revert to its established shape. Alex Freeman is expected to return at right-back, while Antonee Robinson should slot back in on the left after being rested.
In central defence, captain Tim Ream is likely to partner Chris Richards once again, with the experienced duo expected to provide leadership, aerial dominance and organisation against Bosnia’s physical forwards.
In midfield, Tyler Adams is set to return after serving his disciplinary precaution, bringing his trademark ball-winning ability and tactical discipline.
Weston McKennie is expected to keep his place, offering energy, box-to-box running and attacking support, while Malik Tillman could complete the midfield trio with his creativity and ability to operate between the lines.
Further forward, Christian Pulisic is poised for a return to the starting XI after making a positive impact off the bench against Türkiye.
The AC Milan winger looked sharp despite his recent injury setback and remains the team’s biggest attacking threat. Sergiño Dest is expected to continue in an advanced role on the opposite flank, using his dribbling ability and quick combinations to stretch Bosnia’s defensive line.
Leading the attack should be Folarin Balogun, who has already demonstrated his finishing instincts earlier in the tournament. The striker will be eager to add to his goal tally as the United States looks to book a place in the Round of 16.
With experienced leaders returning across the pitch, Pochettino will expect a much-improved performance. The Americans possess the pace, technical quality and tactical discipline to control possession, create chances and continue their impressive World Cup campaign against a Bosnia & Herzegovina side determined to cause an upset.
USA Predicted Lineup vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Predicted USMNT XI (4-2-3-1):Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic; Folarin Balogun.
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