Ahead of their crucial Round of 32 showdown at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, United States manager <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-mauricio-pochettino-dismisses-concerns-after-usas-loss-to-turkiye-23637004" rel="nofollow">Mauricio Pochettino</a> has warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina will provide a tough test.
"Bosnia and Herzegovina are a very combative, aggressive and physical team, but they are also well organised and have a very good coach," said Pochettino ahead of the match.
With a spot in the next round on the line, the American coach highlighted that his squad must treat every knockout match with focus to compete at the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-didier-deschamps-expresses-gratitude-to-kylian-mbappe-and-france-team-for-support-during-difficult-personal-period-23637723" rel="nofollow">FIFA World Cup 2026</a>.
"Of course, tomorrow is a final, but the game against Paraguay was a final too. We tried to recreate that feeling when we played [the warm-up matches against] Germany in Chicago, Senegal in Charlotte, Uruguay in Tampa and Paraguay in Philadelphia. We wanted to recreate those emotions and that intensity," the 54-year-old coach added.
<h2>Team USA practice penalties ahead of Bosnia clash</h2>
Pochettino also emphasised that the American team has planned for every scenario, including the possibility of a penalty shootout.
"Yes, we will be ready if it comes to penalties. We started working with a few companies in that area because I think it's really important. I don't want to say too much about it, but we have been working on it because, as a coaching staff, we believe we can give the players tools to improve and help them find the best way to deal with situations like this," he added.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/bosnia-in-strong-position-to-reach-last-32-qatar-out-of-world-cup-23636708" rel="nofollow">Bosnia and Herzegovina</a> boss Sergej Barbarez called America the favourites as they will enjoy a home advantage in front of their fans.
"I still see the USA as favourites. They are above us in the world ranking, they're on home soil, with some excellent players and a really strong pedigree," said the 54-year-old.
"Being the underdog has never been a problem for us, but once the match kicks off, none of that is important. All that matters to us is what happens on the pitch. We have studied the opposition, prepared our match plan and want to show what we are capable of. Of course, we respect the USA, but that does not mean we won't take the game to them tomorrow," Barbarez added.
(With ANI inputs)

Mauricio Pochettino and Sergej Barbarez talk tactics and favourites ahead of the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash


FIFA World Cup 2026: Mauricio Pochettino worried about facing 'dangerous' Bosnia team

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Mauricio Pochettino and Sergej Barbarez talk tactics and favourites ahead of the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina World Cup Round of 32 clash. Hosts USA are looking to reach the round of 16 against Bosnia


FIFA World Cup 2026: US coach Mauricio Pochettino wary of 'dangerous' Bosnian side

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / FIFA World Cup 2026: US coach Mauricio Pochettino wary of 'dangerous' Bosnian side