Breaking down potential foes for USMNT in World Cup round of 32

The United States men’s national team has spent decades trying to convince the world it belongs among soccer’s elite.Now, after two matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is forcing everyone to pay attention.Friday’s 2-0 victory over Australia secured the Americans a place in the knockout stage with one group match still to play, something no U.S.team had accomplished before.

Combined with Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey, the U.S.officially clinched first place in Group D.The accomplishment adds to a growing list of milestones for a team many have labeled America’s “Golden Generation.” Now attention turns toward July 1 and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., where the Americans will face a third-place finisher from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the round of 32.The overwhelming favorite remains the winner of Wednesday’s game between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.

If either side wins, it is almost certain to become the United States’ next opponent.Why? Well the answer is complicated, but before the tournament, FIFA published 495 possible permutations of all results, and in 60 percent of those permutations, the winner of Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina advanced to play the Americans in the round of 32.A draw, however, would throw the door wide open and create a dizzying collection of possibilities stretching across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.So who would the United States want to see standing across the field in Santa Clara? Here’s a look at the top 10 realistic possibilities from easiest to toughest:1.Curacao (FIFA Ranking: 83)The dream draw.

Curacao’s story has been the surprise of the tournament, but after a 7-1 shellacking by Germany, and its current ranking, it would be outmatched against the Americans.2.Jordan (68)Like Curacao, who played Ecuador to a 0-0 draw on Saturday, Jordan is competing in its first World Cup.

Its run is impressive, but the talent gap is significant.3.Bosnia-Herzegovina (64)Bosnia has produced spirited...