USA meets Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup knockout match
OutKick host Dan Dakich previews the high-stakes FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match between Team USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dakich emphasizes the USA’s lightning-quick athleticism against Bosnia’s physical style. He also highlights the crucial role of the home crowd in Santa Clara, California, drawing parallels to historical sports games and noting the significant odds. He then previews OutKick’s new 3-part docu-series telling the story of America through the lens of sports.
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Another day, another fantastic program of World Cup football. I suppose I can call it football, given that it is mainly hosted in America. Even though I don’t understand all the rules of football, it has been fun to watch. Similar to the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics, when all countries care, the games are just more exciting. The USA is not known for being a soccer country, but we all get behind the men’s team.
Yesterday I played a game in every game and I will try to do that again. I lost as England conceded a goal to Congo pushing the total over 2.5 but I was right that England would score two or less. In the Belgium game we hit both teams to score and a winner at +230 if you bet on the 90-minute draw. I wasn’t able to get us a winner in the USA game as I bet both teams to score. Team USA won 2-0, and Bosnia and Herzegovina couldn’t score despite a terrible red card that gave them a man advantage.
Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer, left, looks on as Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, center, misses a penalty kick during the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Portugal and Austria at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Spain against Austria
Spain is a pretty big favorite in this game. They are -360 on the three-way moneyline with a draw as the other option, meaning Austria are highly unlikely to win the game. To emphasize this point, Spain are -1000 to qualify and progress, meaning that if it goes to extra time and penalties, they are still very likely to win. In the group stage, Spain started with a disappointing draw against Cape Verde, then they had two wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Austria won their opening game against Jordan, then lost 2-0 to Argentina and drew with Algeria. They don’t appear to be the crispest team in the tournament. I think Spain have a great defense and that will remain their strength here. I think they shut Austria out, give me the overall team under 0.5.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after the first half during the World Cup Group K match between Portugal and Congo in Houston on June 17, 2026. (Karen Warren/AP)
Portugal vs Croatia
Portugal is also a big favorite to advance, but with only -300, not quite as big a favorite as Spain. Most of the conversation around Portugal that I’ve seen has been about Cristiano Ronaldo and him being a problem for the team. He has only scored in one of those three games, but scored twice in that game. Portugal have not looked good in this tournament either. They have played to two draws and one win. Croatia don’t have the same star power, but they played well in the group stage. They lost 4-2 to England, but they beat Panama and Ghana. I think there are two options for this game. I think we should see over 2.5 goals but I really don’t love the bet. Portugal haven’t looked elite so I could see this being a draw. I will put a smaller bet out there but will play this draw at +280 for the 90 minutes.
June 24, 2026; Vancouver, Canada; Canada’s Tani Oluwaseyi in action with Switzerland’s Silvan Widmer. Mandatory credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images (Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn photos)
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Switzerland vs Algeria
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This is the closest game on the board in terms of lines for today’s board. Switzerland are a -105 favorite to win, but those odds dropped from -120, meaning people think this should be a closer game. They started their World Cup campaign with a draw against Qatar before being locked in and beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. So against Canada they could win 2-1. Algeria went 1-1-1 for their three matches. They lost 3-0 to Argentina, one of the best teams in the tournament. They then beat Jordan 2-1 before drawing with Austria. Personally, I don’t see the love for Algeria. I think Switzerland is the better team. Algeria have given up goals for everyone. Perhaps the Both Teams to Score bet at -125 is the best value, but I’ll take Switzerland to win in 90 minutes at -105.
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