USA World Cup bracket predictions: Expert picks for USMNT in 2026 knockout phase

The United States national team is into the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning the first task has been completed.

Led by Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT topped Group D by defeating Paraguay and Australia, before a rotated squad lost to Turkey on a last-second goal in a meaningless group-stage finale.

By finishing first in the group, they secured an advantageous early draw in the knockout round. However, the journey gets immeasurably tougher as they hypothetically advance in the tournament, as you'd expect.

The Sporting News takes a look at what the knockout bracket looks like for the United States at the World Cup, how their pathway to the final shakes out, and where their journey will potentially come to an end. 

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USA World Cup schedule for knockout stage

The following is the potential path for the United States through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should they continue progressing through the tournament.

USA World Cup Round of 32 prediction

• Confirmed opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

Ranked No. 64 in the world, the Dragons produced the second-fewest expected goals of any knockout-stage team during their three group matches, despite having a soft draw. The only team with a lower output was Paraguay from the USMNT's group, and they had special circumstances in their final match against Australia that encouraged defensive play.

The United States should be able to wreck Bosnia's ability to possess the ball with their counter-press and cause chaos, just like they did against Paraguay and Australia. It should be a comprehensive victory for the USMNT, and anything less would be surprising.

Score prediction: USA 3-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

USA World Cup Round of 16 prediction

• Potential opponents: Belgium, TBD (3rd, Groups A/I/J)

It's highly likely that the United States will meet Belgium in the Round of 16, as they will be expected to beat whichever third-place qualifier they are drawn against (probably Algeria).

If things shake out as expected up to this point, this will be the match that makes or breaks the USMNT's World Cup journey. Reaching the Round of 16 will be the bare minimum expectation, but defeating a top-10 opponent and progressing to the quarterfinals would make it a truly successful tournament for the United States.

Belgium have a squad full of top European talent, but they also have considerable weaknesses. Many of their key stars have aged out of their prime, and they are deficient in certain positions, like defense, for example. Additionally, they have struggled to gel over the past eight years and have routinely disappointed on the biggest stages.

The U.S. has the talent, the form, and the coaching to engineer a thrilling victory in this match.

Score prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium

USA World Cup quarterfinals prediction

• Potential opponents: Spain, TBD (2nd, Group L), TBD (2nd, Group K), TBD (2nd, Group J)

This is where the gauntlet truly begins for the United States.

For fans who think the USMNT can truly challenge for the World Cup title, look at who they will likely have to beat en route to that dream. First up in the quarterfinals will almost certainly be Spain, unless they are upset prior to that by Group K's runner-up, likely to be Portugal or Colombia, who present an equally difficult test.

At this stage, it's difficult to think the U.S. can emerge victorious against not just a title contender, but a tried and true title favorite. This is where the U.S. journey comes to an end, but having reached this stage will make it a successful journey nonetheless.

If they do somehow manage to spring an insane, generational upset, France would likely be waiting in the semifinals, and Argentina in the final. Good luck!

Score prediction: USA 1-3 Spain