The U.S. men’s national soccer team heads into Wednesday’s Round of 32 World Cup clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina with everything on the line — win or pack up and go home.
Despite being favored to advance, the Americans carry some concerning recent history into the match. The team has not defeated a European opponent since 2021, and their last victory in a World Cup knockout round dates all the way back to 2002.
The game is set to take place in Santa Clara, California, and marks the beginning of the single-elimination stage of the tournament. The U.S. did earn some momentum heading in, having won their group and secured what was considered a favorable bracket position for the knockout round.
Still, history and the pressure of elimination-style play loom large for the squad as they take the field Wednesday.
