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US seeks recovery against Bosnia and Herzegovina after defeat to Turkey
The US national team will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second round after losing 3-2 to Turkey in the World Cup group stage. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's side is seeking a victory to maintain its claim in the tournament.
The United States, one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second round after a group-stage defeat to Turkey. Playing in Santa Clara, California, the team aims to regain its prestige and tournament ambition.
Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said he did not believe the US could be a championship contender, but changed his mind after the first two wins. Ibrahimovic said, "If you didn't believe, I repeat: start believing."
The US beat Paraguay and Australia to start a World Cup with two wins for the first time since 1930. However, on Thursday night in Inglewood, they suffered their first loss of the tournament, falling 3-2 to Turkey. US defender Mark McKenzie said, "The next round is a clean slate. But we want to go far, to win everything."
Squad and tactical changes
Coach Mauricio Pochettino made significant changes to the squad after a four-match losing streak last summer. Only goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards, and midfielder Malik Tillman retained their places from the first eleven a year ago. Although Pochettino prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation on the field, he switches to a three-man defense, using Freeman and Antonee Robinson as wing-backs. Robinson, who had a successful season at Fulham, has recovered from an injury, while 38-year-old veteran center-back Tim Ream partners Richards in the heart of the defense.
Under Pochettino, the US has adopted a high-tempo, aggressive pressing strategy. With a tactic copied from Paris Saint-Germain, they deliberately win goal kicks to then apply a counter-press. However, this risky style leaves them vulnerable, especially to nutmegs. In the Turkey match, a nutmeg by Arda Guler on Christian Pulisic set up Kaan Ayhan's winning goal.
European test and expectations
Critics emphasize that the US cannot beat top-tier opponents with just high energy and pressing, and need to vary their tempo and show patience. The US's history against European teams is not bright either: only three wins, 15 losses, and seven draws since 1950. The European series starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina requires inspiration from the 2002 squad that reached the quarterfinals.
Former US goalkeeper Tim Howard is skeptical. "The US definitely cannot win the World Cup. They would need to play their best games back-to-back, which is impossible," Howard said, urging realism.
There is a visible increase in support for the team, but loud chants do not provide skilled play or tactical awareness. Pochettino's extensive squad changes and the recent defeat serve as a warning for the team.
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