NYCFC's Matt Freese and the USMNT's World Cup path in the knockout stage

As many know, the United States men's national team will be in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As such, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese, former player Joe Scally, and former academy player Gio Reyna will continue their journeys in one of the biggest tournaments in the world. They join Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin, who have also made the knockout rounds with Australia.

The USMNT secured their spot in the next round by going 2-1-0 in group play. They finished in first place in Group D, winning their first two matches convincingly. However, a loss against Türkiye in the final game has brought back some doubt. The Stars and Stripes will play a talented Bosnia and Herzegovina side, meaning that this will not be a walk in the park. Plus, the US has not beaten a European team in over five years, losing the last ten fixtures against teams from that continent.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was actually the last European side that they beat back in 2021. Still, history has not been kind. The loss in the final game of the group round and the history are two items that raise concerns about the USMNT. And as seen by Germany's exit in the World Cup, the US is not guaranteed to move on.

Hopefully, Matt Freese will not return to NYCFC right away, but that chance is higher than one would have liked. Here is a look at the confirmed USMNT schedule and their possible opponents.

A reminder of the first-place schedule

Round of 32

Game 81: Wednesday, July 1; 8:00 PM ET; FOX

Round of 16

Game 94: Monday, July 6; 8:00 PM ET; FOX

Quarterfinals

Game 98: Friday, July 10; 3:00 PM; FOX

Semifinals

Game 101: Tuesday, July 14; 3:00 PM; FOX

The third-place match is on Saturday, July 18, at 5:00 PM ET (FOX), and the finals will be on Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 PM ET (FOX).

NYCFC's USMNT players and their possible opponents

Round of 32

As is already known, the USMNT is playing Bosnia and Herzegovina. By not winning the final game of the group round, and when looking at history, it is possible that the US will exit the World Cup, which would be an ultimate failure if they do.

Round of 16

If the US makes it to the Round of 16, then they could face either Belgium or Senegal, two familiar teams. The Stars and Stripes lost horribly to Belgium back in March, but recently beat Senegal before the World Cup. Neither team has an edge, but Senegal might be the one that is preferred.

Quarterfinals

For many, the idea is quarterfinals or bust. Realistically, if the US makes the final eight, which they should, then this would be where they would be eliminated. The four possible teams they could face are Portugal, Croatia, Spain, and Austria. Of course, all four are European sides, in which the Stars and Stripes struggle against. Portugal or Spain would be the likelier teams that they would face.

Semifinals

If, by a miracle, the USMNT remains in the tournament, then they could face these teams in the semifinals: Paraguay, France, Sweden, Canada, or Morocco. Germany, South Africa, and the Netherlands were already eliminated after they were beaten in Monday's games. France would be the most likely opponent based on the national team's form.

Finals

All other teams on the other side of the bracket are possible opponents for the finals. However, like Australia, it is not likely the USMNT will make it this far. But NYCFC fans should know the schedule and possible opposing teams just in case.

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