FIFA World Cup 2026: Who could USA face in Round of 16?
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The Stars and Stripes have won Group D after back-to-back wins.
The USA have made a blistering start to the FIFA World Cup 2026, winning their first two matches to secure the top spot in Group D. That too with one round left to play in the group stage. This marked the first time that the Stars and Stripes have won their first two World Cup matches since their semi-final finish in 1930.
The co-hosts thumped Paraguay 4-1 in their opening game, with AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun scoring twice. Despite missing the talismanic Christian Pulisic due to injury, the USA secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Australia in their next match. This win marked their progression to the knockout stages for the second consecutive edition, joining Mexico and Germany.
Although the group winners have been decided, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will look to maintain their winning streak. They next take on a winless Turkiye in their final group match on June 25 in Inglewood. Let’s look at the co-hosts’ potential opponents in the knockout stages.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: All kits that won’t be used during group stage
USA’s possible knockout opponents
Based on the current standings across the 12 groups, the Stars and Stripes, as the Group D winners, will face one of the best third-placed teams in the Round of 32 clash in Santa Clara on July 1. As things stand, that opponent will be Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are third in Group B.
If the co-hosts progress to the next stage, they will face the winners of the match between the Group G winners and one of the best third-placed teams. The current standings indicate that those teams will be New Zealand and Czechia. The Round of 16 game will be played in Atlanta on July 6.
If the USA surprise everyone and advance to the quarter-finals, they will face either DR Congo, Ghana, Austria, or Uruguay in the last eight clash, which will take place on July 10 in Los Angeles.
This path is based on the current group standings, which are bound to change with one group-stage round left to play.
Who could USA face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32?
As Group D winners, they will face one of the best third‑placed teams. Current standings suggest Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) on July 1 in Santa Clara.
Who could USA face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?
They would meet the winner of New Zealand vs Czechia (Group G winners vs best third‑placed team) on July 6 in Atlanta.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.