World Cup 2026 live updates: United States advances to round of 16 after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina

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.

With less than 24 hours until the USA vs. Bosnia match, European fans are descending on the Bay Area as they prepare for the knockout round.

In Santa Clara, thousands of Bosnians are ready to cheer on their national team, many gathering at Euro Grill ahead of Wednesday's game.

We found many Bosnians at Euro Grill on Tuesday. At the restaurant, fans shared food and stories of long journeys to follow their team.

"This is a traditional Bosnian food. Its ground meat with a special bread," said Sabhudin Smahilahodzic and added, "I just came from St. Louis. I have been following the team all the way from Canada to here. So, we are hoping for the best."

The last time Bosnia appeared in the World Cup was in 2014 in Brazil. For many supporters, traveling across the U.S. to follow the team has been a special experience leading up to Wednesday's match.

ABC7's Luz Pena has the full story here.

Team USA practiced Tuesday at PayPal Park ahead of its knockout-round match Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

Team USA practiced Tuesday at PayPal Park ahead of its knockout-round match Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

The match comes as the team looks to advance, with attention focused on midfielder Christian Pulisic, who has continued to rise in prominence.

"Tomorrow is going to be a really tough battle for us. But we believe in our team and just give it everything that we have. We're gonna lay it all on the line and at the end of the - you know how ever long the game is - we gonna wanna be on top," Pulisic said.

Fans gathered outside Team USA's hotel in hopes of catching a glimpse of players before the match. In San Jose, San Pedro Square is hosting several watch parties for Wednesday night's game.

Tickets to attend the match in person are in high demand. The cheapest resale tickets were listed at about $2,100.

The highly anticipated matchup is set to take place Wednesday night at Levi's Stadium.