The moment the U.S. men’s national team has built toward is here: The knockout stage of World Cup 2026.The USMNT hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., for a ticket to the round of 16. The U.S. topped Group D, convincingly beating Paraguay and Australia, while Bosnia finished third in Group B after a win over Qatar on the final day of the group stage.The U.S. lost its final group game to Turkey, but with the group already wrapped up, Mauricio Pochettino had made wholesale changes to his lineup. The good news is star forward Christian Pulisic made his return from a calf injury off the bench, playing more than 30 minutes. On Tuesday, Pulisic assured the media he’s ready to go from the start, with no limitations.Bosnia is led by legendary forward Edin Džeko, who, at 40, remains a key part of their attack. Around him are talented wingers Esmir Bajraktarević and Kerim Alajbegović. Bajraktarević was born in the United States and represented U.S. youth national teams and earned one senior cap before switching to represent Bosnia. He scored the game-winning penalty against Italy to send his country to the World Cup during qualifying playoffs in March.The U.S. was eliminated in the round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar. It needs a win on Wednesday night to at least equal that finish — but the team has ambitions for much more. Here’s a closer look at Wednesday night’s match:What you need to know about the matchupRound of 32: United States (FIFA ranking 17) vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (FIFA ranking 64)Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara, Calif.Date: Wednesday, July 1Kick-off: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PTU.S. pathway: Winners of World Cup Group D: Two wins vs Paraguay and Australia, one loss to Turkey.Bosnia pathway: Qualified for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Group B record: One tie with Canada, one defeat to Switzerland, one win vs. Qatar.Edin Džeko remains a key in Bosnia’s attack as it prepares to face the United States in the round of 32. (Jane Gershovich / ISI Photos / Getty Images)Staff predictionsPaul Tenorio: U.S. 2, Bosnia 1 – We have seen that these knockout games are mostly tight affairs. The U.S. will be in control and build a two-goal lead, but have some nervy moments when Bosnia pulls one back. Ultimately, the home crowd will help push them through to the round of 16.Henry Bushnell: U.S. 3, Bosnia 1 – The U.S. will come out flying, just like against Paraguay in the opener, and steamroll Bosnia. Maybe there won’t be four goals this time, and maybe Bosnia will put up more of a fight, but it feels like another convincing victory.Tom Bogert: U.S. 2, Bosnia 1 – There is legitimate worry this game has “1-1 draw but Bosnia wins on penalties” written all over it … but the U.S. was rampant against Paraguay and Australia. I’m expecting more of that against Bosnia.Charlie Davies: This game is perfect for… Antonee RobinsonIt’s a great game for wide players. Bosnia looks to play through theirs to generate chances. If the U.S. can pin back those wingers, they’ll have to work so hard that by the 60th minute, they’ll be exhausted when it’s time to transition.For the U.S., the emphasis will be on continuing to use the high press and width to breach Bosnia’s deep defence. A 4-4-2 is difficult to break down centrally, but once it’s pinned back, it demands constant running from the outside midfielders. The U.S. overloads both flanks with Alex Freeman and Sergiño Dest on one side and Pulisic and Antonee Robinson on the other, making it extremely difficult to defend if Bosnia’s communication isn’t perfect.I also notice the space between their back line and midfield can become too large. Players are forced wide, leaving big central pockets. When the back line drops, Pulisic and Weston McKennie have plenty of options. Qatar found opportunities in those areas, which should give the U.S. confidence.Robinson has always had the athleticism. Over the past couple of seasons, his decision-making has caught up. He knows when to make long runs or put pressure on, and which cross he should play. He understands where he can make an impact and expose weaknesses.He’s on the precipice of being world class. I could see him becoming one of the top left backs in Serie A or La Liga, and this is his opportunity to elevate himself into that category. If he does that, I wouldn’t expect him to remain at Fulham beyond August.The circumstances could be ripe for Antonee Robinson (5) to have a big game vs. Bosnia (Keith Birmingham / MediaNews Group / Pasadena Star-News / Getty Images)OddsThe Americans were favored in every match in the group stage and that continues against Bosnia. On both DraftKings and FanDuel, the United States is -750 (2-to-15) to advance, which implies the Americans have nearly a 90 percent chance of moving on to the final 16.