U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino cranked up the pressure ahead of Wednesday's round-of-32 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina, declaring it feels like 'the final of the World Cup.' His squad enters the knockout stage after mixed group results: victories over Paraguay and Australia followed by a loss to Türkiye with a heavily rotated lineup.

Pochettino praised Bosnia-Herzegovina's physicality and tactical flexibility, calling their ability to change formations midgame 'really challenging.' The U.S. enters as favorite thanks to home-field advantage at Levi's Stadium, but the coach dismissed that narrative. Heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have already been eliminated, tightening the competition.

Christian Pulisic is fit and available, while Malik Tillman continues impressing at this tournament. Defender Auston Trusty trained fully for the first time this week and 'is much better than we expect,' though Cristian Roldan and Mark McKenzie remain questionable with quad and foot issues respectively.

Pochettino wants his players relaxed rather than tense, channeling advice from 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Valdano about letting preparation show naturally. The USMNT's knockout fate hangs on executing under pressure against a disciplined opponent that finished third in Group B.