Day: June 30, 2026

Once again, the USA is likely going to be on the front foot at the World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not going to look to take the game to the Americans on Wednesday night. The European underdog will bring a defensive approach that the U.S. has already seen during this tournament. Here’s what to expect from both sides ahead of their round of 32 matchup. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s approach will be similar to what the USA saw against Paraguay. I’m expecting more of a mid-block instead of a low one, like what Australia played. Bosnia will defend higher up the field but still won’t leave itself too exposed. Bosnia and Herzegovina had the third-fewest entries into the opponent’s 18-yard box and the lowest of any team that advanced to the round of 32. That should give you an idea of what to expect from them in this match. To be clear, I’m not discrediting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s abilities, especially since the squad does have a couple of players who are more than capable of making an impact in attack. I trained with Esmir ahead of the Olympics in 2024. He has always been a quality player and, like so many others who thrive on the dribble, he just so happens to be left-footed. Esmir’s ball control and on-ball ability in one-on-one situations is very good. He’s able to skate past defenders and produce a pass that can change the game. What is keeping him from being a top playmaker is that his final product, the final pass or final shot, isn’t quite there yet. He’s only 21 and is still more than capable of making a big difference in a game, though. And he is already a proven winner with his club PSV Eindhoven having won two straight Dutch league titles. The other name that most soccer fans will be familiar with is Edin Džeko. The 40-year-old striker may not start this match, but he’s a constant threat in the opposition box who’s capable of scoring a big goal when needed. When you play against teams that sit back with a cautious, defensive approach, finding an early goal will be key. That’s something the U.S. has done very well in this tournament, having scored in the third, 11th and seventh minutes in the first three games. Finding that first goal is so big in terms of how the game will be dictated. Taking the early lead would set up well for us in a game where we’ll have a lot of the ball. The longer you go without a goal against teams that are more defensive, a little bit more anxiety gradually creeps in. You start to push a little more and maybe leave yourself more susceptible at the back. Starting aggressively has been the American mentality so far in this tournament. We’ve been very good at pressing the opponent when it has the ball, especially in the first half. From there, when we win the ball higher up the field, we’re in control. This isn’t the kind of plan we’ll have against every team. The U.S. has not played a possession-oriented team yet, but that may happen against Belgium in the round of 16 if both teams advance. In those situations, the strategy will be different. Weston has an ability to do whatever the team needs, which makes him so valuable in the U.S. midfield. Against Paraguay, he made some important runs forward into attacking channels, creating mismatches and overloading wings against opposing defenders before ultimately moving into the box looking for a scoring chance. I feel like we haven’t talked too much about Weston so far in this tournament because so many guys have played well. All the goals that the U.S. has scored have maybe overshadowed his performances so far in the tournament, but he has been very important so far with his running and movement.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Christian Pulisic’s lingering calf injury has been one of the top storylines for the U.S. men’s national team at the World Cup — and USA fans are hoping they finally see the star forward back in the starting lineup in Wednesday’s round of 32 match vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here is everything to know about the status of USA’s star forward: Is Christian Pulisic Injured? Christian Pulisic suffered a calf injury in the 4-1 win against Paraguay, which kept him out of the next game vs. Australia, a 2-0 victory for the tournament co-hosts. He made a second-half appearance as a substitute in the 3-2 loss to Türkiye. In all, he has only played 77 minutes at this World Cup. Will Pulisic Start vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina? Does that mean he’ll be back in the lineup for Wednesday’s game at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium? “I’m feeling good, it’s been a good week of preparation. I felt really good in the last game,” Pulisic told our very own Jenny Taft on Tuesday ahead of the USA’s practice session in nearby San Jose. “I’m excited to go for it tomorrow.” Sounds like he’ll play, but what about starting? “I think we’ll get it figured out today,” he added. Has Pulisic Scored At The World Cup? Pulisic has yet to score at this World Cup due to one playing in part of two matches and missing altogether – but he has been involved when he has played. He assisted on Folarin Balogun’s first of two goals in the opening win against Paraguay before being subbed off at halftime. Against Türkiye, he came on in the 58th minute and Pulisic injected fresh energy and belief into the team. The tempo picked up almost instantly with him on the field. “You saw his quality, and you saw the impact he had when he came in,” USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter told reporters afterward. “He’s our guy. He’s, more importantly, just a great person that everyone follows, and he’s a leader in his own right.” The 27-year-old superstar immediately began creating chances and testing the Turkish defense, first with an opportunity in the 62nd minute and then a minute later when his shot rattled the right post. In the 77th, he sent another attempt just wide to the left.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports