06-21-2026, 09:04 AM
The USA men's team likely plays the winner of Bosnia-Herzegovina (FIFA #64 in the world rankings) vs. Qatar (#57) on July 1. One of those two teams will be the third-place finisher in Group B. Technically, we could play the third place finisher in Groups B, E, F, I, or J according to the SF Chronicle. Next most likely the third-place finisher in Group J, then Group I, then Group E, then Group F. But most likely the winner of B-H v. Qatar.
And if the U.S. wins that Round of 32 game, its likely Round of 16 path is against the winner of Group G’s winner vs. another third-place team—with Belgium (#10, tied by #28 Egypt) the obvious big-name threat if they win Group G. Sports Illustrated also frames Belgium as the likeliest Group G winner in that next-stage path.
And if the U.S. wins that Round of 32 game, its likely Round of 16 path is against the winner of Group G’s winner vs. another third-place team—with Belgium (#10, tied by #28 Egypt) the obvious big-name threat if they win Group G. Sports Illustrated also frames Belgium as the likeliest Group G winner in that next-stage path.
Audaces fortuna iuvat