World Cup 2026 live updates: US looks to win first knockout match in 24 years

It's win or go home for the United States tonight in the World Cup. Team USA is looking to keep their exciting run going, seeking their first knockout round win since 2002.

It's win or go home for the United States tonight in the World Cup. Team USA is looking to keep their exciting run going, seeking their first knockout round win since 2002.

Among the thousands of fútbol fans who lined up hours before the gates to Levi's Stadium, known as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the tournament, opened for Wednesday's match, Eyewitness News found a lot of fans from Southern California who made the trek to the Bay Area to see history being made.

"Oh man, it's a huge deal. I've been waiting for this and I couldn't sleep last night," said Northridge native Alex Ruiz. "We have a chance to go to the next level."

"This is incredible. How many opportunities we have in our lifetime to come to matches here in the U.S. so we had to bring the kids," said Abi Ireland, from Beaumont.

U.S. fans have already seen some history being made in this tournament through three games. The U.S. collected six points in the opening group play round. That had not happened since 1930.

The U.S. has scored eight goals in three games so far in this tournament -- that's the most goals they have ever scored in a single tournament before. The U.S. Men's Team has only won one elimination game ever in a World Cup -- that was that famous game against Mexico back in 2002. And the U.S. has never won three games in a World Cup. That could change on Wednesday.

It's not cheap to attend Wednesday's game. Tickets are going for more than $1,000 each.

"Yeah, pretty much a small car, left foot, yeah, a kidney," said Reuben Valles, from West Hills.

Christian Pulisic was named to the United States men's national team's starting lineup for Wednesday's World Cup round-of-32 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina after recovering from a calf injury.

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ESPN contributed to this report.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino opened his news conference on Tuesday by asking the media to forgive him for his curt tone following the U.S. team's 3-2 loss to Turkey.

The loss came after the U.S. had clinched the top spot in the group.

"I want to apologize to the guys that were in my last press conference," Pochettino said. "I was so frustrated. I was disappointed. I thank you and am sorry. It was my problem, not your problem. I was upset after the defeat."

Pochettino called out the media in the post-match news conference last week for not praising him and his team for having already won the group before the loss to Turkey.

"For you not say congratulations that we won the group, that is a little bit sad," Pochettino told reporters after the game.

The United States national team has grown tired of hearing about its traditional shortcomings in World Cup knockout matches.

The Americans will look to change that narrative on Wednesday as they attempt to win their first World Cup elimination game in 24 years when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 in Santa Clara, California.

The Americans' last, and only, knockout win came on June 17, 2002, when they defeated Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 in South Korea.

The good news for the Americans is they should have a healthy Christian Pulisic after the star missed the second game with a calf injury and played only 33 minutes as a sub in the final group match against Turkey.

"I feel good and ready to go for tomorrow," Pulisic said.

The U.S. will once again play a knockout round match at a home World Cup in the San Francisco Bay area. The 1994 team made it out of group stage and faced Brazil at Stanford Stadium - less than 15 miles away from the site of this year's game in Santa Clara - only to lose 1-0 to the eventual champions.

Since that round of 16 win over Mexico in 2002, the U.S. is 0-3 at that stage but are favored to advance against Bosnia, according to oddsmakers.

"We understand what it means, you win or you go home. There definitely needs to be a lot of focus and attention detail this week," Pulisic said. "But I think the vibe feels good. We've still kept it light and we still are going to be ready to battle once the whistle blows."

The U.S. has one win in 21 games against European teams with seven draws and 13 losses since making it back to the World Cup in 1990 for the first time in 40 years.

World Cup excitement is sweeping across the Bay Area as fans, businesses and local venues prepare for Team USA's Round of 32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at Levi's Stadium.

World Cup excitement is sweeping across the Bay Area as fans, businesses and local venues prepare for Team USA's Round of 32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at Levi's Stadium.

Thousands of soccer fans have traveled to the region for the FIFA World Cup, with many hoping to see the United States advance in one of the most anticipated matches ever played in the Bay Area.

"I'm nervous. a tough game for sure. They'll prevail though," said Peter Chapman, a Long Beach resident who traveled to attend the match.

Chapman said he has followed Team USA throughout the tournament.

"I've been to all games in the U.S. -- two at SoFi, 1 in Seattle, and this one here. So, I'm pumped," he said.

Fans gathered Tuesday at venues across San Jose, including San Pedro Square, where matches were shown on a large screen.

EJ Cruz of Union City attended with his wife and children and said his focus is already on Wednesday's game.

"Team USA tomorrow. We're ready!" Cruz said.

Matthew Schnell traveled from Boston for the opportunity to watch the U.S. national team compete in the World Cup.

"Every four years, you watch and you're like, oh my God I'm going!'" Schnell said.

"I got the tickets -- round of 32 in the USA supporter section," he added.

Schnell said the trip included an unexpected encounter with one of the team's players.

"I said 'hey, let's get it done tomorrow' and he gave me a fist bump!" Schnell said.

Meanwhile, Team USA trained at PayPal Park before Wednesday's win-or-go-home matchup.

"Tomorrow is going to be a very tough battle for us," said U.S. Men's National Team forward Christian Pulisic. "Just believe in our team and give it everything we have. We're going to lay it all on the line."

Local businesses are also preparing for a surge of fans.

At Jack's Bar on East Taylor Street in San Jose, manager Jordan Trigg said the establishment dramatically increased its inventory for the event.

"We brought over 30 kegs just for today and tomorrow," Trigg said.

The bar typically brings in about 10 kegs per week. Additional supplies were still being delivered Tuesday.

"We're going to put a few more kegs in here too," Trigg said.

Jack's Bar, the official American Outlaws bar in San Jose, expects fans from across the country to gather there before heading to the stadium.

"That's all anyone is talking about right now," Trigg said.

The bar also plans transportation for supporters on match day.

"We will have four shuttle buses leaving Jacks, going to Levi's, draping them off at AO tailgate and fans will march into the stadium," Trigg said.

The enthusiasm extends beyond bars and watch parties.

"It's like the craziest thing. We got to win it. We got to win it tomorrow baby. Let's go!" Cruz said.

The buildup continued Tuesday evening at Clara's Junction in San Jose, where organizers scheduled a "Night Before the Party" event featuring live music and appearances by surprise U.S. soccer alumni ahead of Wednesday's match.

Organizers also said RSVPs are now required for all Round of 32 watch parties at San Pedro Square.