Win or go home: The U.S. to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup knockout game

The U.S. men’s national soccer team is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, aiming for their first knockout win since 2002. The match, taking place in Santa Clara, California, is crucial for the U.S., which hasn’t beaten a European team since 2021. The Americans are favored to win, especially with the return of star player Christian Pulisic, who is back from injury. Bosnia, ranked 64th by FIFA, reached the knockout stage after a surprising playoff win over Italy and a victory against Qatar. Notably, Bosnia’s team includes Esmir Bajraktarević, an American-born player with Bosnian roots. The game is seen as a pivotal moment for the U.S. team, with coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasizing its importance. QUESTION: How might the outcome of this match influence the future of soccer in the United States?