The USMNT is going with its strongest available squad for the biggest game on American soil in a generation. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has named his starting eleven for the Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it reads like a statement of intent: Christian Pulisic is back, Tyler Adams is anchoring the midfield, and the backline that carried the team through the group stage is intact.
The match takes place July 1, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It marks the first time the USMNT has played a World Cup knockout game on home turf.
The lineup, broken down
Matt Freese gets the nod in goal. The back five features Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Sergiño Dest, and Antonee Robinson. In midfield, Pochettino has gone with Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman, and Weston McKennie. Up front, it’s Pulisic and Folarin Balogun. Pulisic captains the side, returning from a calf injury that kept him out of action.
Why Pulisic’s return matters
