# World Cup 2026: France Dominates, USMNT vs Bosnia Preview
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and the Round of 32 is serving up drama across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From Kylian Mbappe matching Lionel Messi’s goal tally to the USMNT preparing for a must-win knockout clash, here’s everything you need to know.
## France 3-0 Sweden: Olise Masterclass Powers Les Bleus
France became the first team to truly announce themselves as serious contenders with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday. The star of the show? **Michael Olise.**
The Bayern Munich winger delivered a performance that GOAL.com described as genius, scoring a 9/10 rating — the highest of any player on the pitch. Olise came within inches of scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history with an audacious bicycle kick that smashed the crossbar. He then turned provider, threading a pass through a defender’s legs for Bradley Barcola to make it 2-0, and later played another inch-perfect through ball for Mbappe to bury and seal the win.
**Kylian Mbappe** bagged a brace, taking his tournament tally to six goals — matching Lionel Messi’s World Cup total. The Real Madrid superstar is now firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.
France will face Paraguay in the Round of 16.
### France Key Performers vs Sweden
| Player | Rating | Key Contribution |
|——–|——–|——————|
| Michael Olise | 9/10 | 2 assists, bicycle kick off the post |
| Kylian Mbappe | 8/10 | 2 goals, 6 tournament total |
| Bradley Barcola | 7/10 | 1 goal, constant threat |
| Adrien Rabiot | 7/10 | Controlled midfield, 2 shots on target |
| Didier Deschamps | 8/10 | Tactical masterclass from the bench |
## USMNT vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Biggest Game in American Soccer
All eyes turn to Santa Clara, California, where the USMNT faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Round of 32 knockout clash on Wednesday. Head coach **Mauricio Pochettino** has adopted a zen-like approach, quoting Argentine legend Jorge Valdano: *”Relaxation brings concentration.”*
### 5 Keys to the USMNT vs Bosnia Clash
**1. Christian Pulisic’s Fitness**
Pulisic returned from a calf injury against Turkiye and looked sharp. He says he’s “definitely ready to go.” When Pulisic is at 100%, the USMNT attack reaches another level.
**2. Breaking Down a Defensive Bosnia**
Unlike Turkiye, Bosnia is expected to sit deep. The USMNT will need creativity from wide areas — Pulisic and Sergiño Dest will be crucial.
**3. Folarin Balogun’s Game-Changing Ability**
Balogun offers the USMNT a clinical edge up front. His movement and finishing could be the difference in a tight knockout match.
**4. Home Crowd Advantage**
Playing in a home World Cup, in primetime, with American fans packing the stadium — this is a once-in-a-generation atmosphere.
**5. No Room for Error**
Captain Tim Ream summed it up: *”Would it be weird if I told you that I don’t really feel too much pressure at this minute? It’s a game we want to win.”*
> **USMNT vs Bosnia and Herzegovina** — Wednesday, July 1, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
## England vs DR Congo: Rice Confident in Penalty Takers
England faces DR Congo in their Round of 32 tie, and **Declan Rice** is supremely confident in his team’s ability to handle a shootout. Rice believes this England squad features *”the best penalty takers the nation has ever seen.”*
With Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham, and Rice himself all capable from the spot, Thomas Tuchel’s England is well-prepared for the lottery of penalties. Tuchel has also selected Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney partly because he is a penalty specialist.
## Other Key Round of 32 Fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue |
|——-|——|——-|
| Mexico vs Ecuador | June 30 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| USMNT vs Bosnia | July 1 | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| England vs DR Congo | July 1 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| France vs Paraguay | July 2 | NRG Stadium, Houston |
## Who’s Leading the Golden Boot Race?
1. **Kylian Mbappe (France)** — 6 goals
2. **Lionel Messi (Argentina)** — 6 goals
3. **Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia)** — 5 goals
4. **Harry Kane (England)** — 4 goals
5. **Kylian Mbappe (France)** — 6 goals (joint top)
## FAQ
### When does the USMNT play Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The match kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Check local listings for exact kickoff time.
### Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup in the US?
All matches are broadcast on FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish). You can also stream via Fox Sports app and FuboTV.
### Who is the favorite to win the 2026 World Cup?
France looks increasingly dangerous after their dominant performance against Sweden. Brazil, Argentina, and host nation USA are also among the contenders — but France’s depth and form make them the team to beat.
### How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams, including a new Round of 32 knockout stage before the traditional Round of 16.
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**Final Verdict:** The World Cup 2026 is delivering everything fans hoped for — drama, upsets, and world-class performances. France looks like the team to beat, but don’t count out the host nation. If Pochettino’s men can stay calm under pressure, the USMNT has a real shot at making a deep run.
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