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Pochettino Demands Bosnia Win, Pulisic Fit, First Knockout Since 2002

7/1/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina a must-win, likening it to a World Cup final.
The United States faces Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 1, 2026, and is a heavy favorite.
Pochettino confirmed Christian Pulisic, fully fit after a calf injury, will start.
A win would set up a round-of-16 match against the Belgium-Senegal winner, giving the U.S. its first knockout victory since 2002.

History

Historical Context

After Bruce Arena’s U.S. team earned its first knockout-stage win by beating Mexico 2-0 in 2002, the nation has waited 24 years for a similar breakthrough. Now co-host of the 2026 World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad faces Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium, hoping to echo that historic victory and advance beyond the group stage.

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Story summary

Coach Mauricio Pochettino called the clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina a must-win, likening it to a World Cup final.
The United States faces Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 1, 2026, and is a heavy favorite.
Pochettino confirmed Christian Pulisic, fully fit after a calf injury, will start.
A win would set up a round-of-16 match against the Belgium-Senegal winner, giving the U.S. its first knockout victory since 2002.

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