World Cup 2026: Which third-place team will the United States play in the Round of 32?

Key Points:

• The US Men's National Team (USMNT) has secured first place in Group D at the 2026 World Cup and will start the Round of 32 knockout stage on July 1 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
• Due to the expanded 48-team format with 12 groups, the Round of 32 includes the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place teams, whose identities won't be finalized until all group matches conclude.
• The USMNT's opponent will be one of the third-place teams from Groups B, E, F, I, or J, with current projections favoring Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) as the most likely opponent, followed by Qatar and Senegal.
• The exact matchup depends on complex FIFA scenarios based on which third-place teams advance, meaning the US may not know its opponent until the final group-stage games on Saturday.
• The US team's knockout schedule and venues are set following their group win, but future opponents will be confirmed only after all group results are finalized.