The United States enters the last-32 match with momentum after a lively win over Paraguay, a professional victory against Australia and a stoppage-time loss to Türkiye, according to ESPN. The Americans are favored against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who advanced as the fifth-ranked third-place team, but cannot be taken lightly against the side ranked 61st by FIFA.
ESPN consulted Julien Laurens to detail Bosnia and Herzegovina’s profile. Coach Sergej Barbarez, a former captain of the national team, was named manager in 2024 despite having no previous coaching experience. Barbarez has brought in a wave of young players from the diaspora, leading to 16 debuts over the past two years.
The new generation includes 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic (RB Salzburg), Tarik Muharemovic (23, Sassuolo), Amar Dedic (23, Benfica), Ermin Mahmic (21, Slovan Liberec) and 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic (PSV Eindhoven). ESPN notes that Bajraktarevic was born and raised in Wisconsin and made one appearance for the United States before using a one-time switch to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Laurens describes Bosnia and Herzegovina as a physically robust side that defends in a low block. The team commits the second-most fouls per game (15.7) and has accumulated six yellow cards and one red, the second-most in the tournament. Possession has been limited (43.7%, 33rd of 48 teams) and the side ranks 33rd in completed passes per game with a 1.9 xG per match (39th), reflecting difficulty creating chances in open play.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s clearest weapon has been set pieces, scoring three goals from them compared with one from open play, according to Laurens. The squad features players who can deliver accurate balls into the box and has notable height. Veteran captain Edin Dzeko (40) brings experience (150 caps, 73 goals), while Alajbegovic and Bajraktarevic offer dribbling ability on the flanks and Ermin Mahmic has provided pace and two of the team’s five goals.
ESPN also turned to Jeff Carlisle on how the U.S. should respond. Laurens warned that the Americans will have the ball frequently and must break down a likely five-man defensive setup, stay alert to wide threats and be disciplined in defensive set-piece organization and concentration.
