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Christian Pulisic remains an automatic starter, but who will complete the lineup with him? Here’s our pick for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Starting XI in their World Cup Round of 32 encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After a period of rotation to wrap up the group stage, the time for experiments is over. Every decision now carries weight. Here’s who GOAL believes should take the field.

The previous fixture for the U.S. Men’s National Team was primarily about conserving energy and rotating players. This one, however, is about getting the job done. The knockout stage of the World Cup is where all the preparation and planning culminate — the stage where it all becomes real.

The Round of 32 pits the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who ended third in their group. The Americans topped theirs, which allowed them the luxury of resting key players and managing minutes against Turkey in their final group outing. There are some minor injury concerns — Auston Trusty, Cristian Roldan, and Mark McKenzie have been nursing knocks — but there are no suspensions or major fitness problems. Overall, the U.S. squad is ready and focused for its most important challenge yet.

With that in mind, how should the USMNT line up for the Round of 32? Which players could prove decisive? Here’s a detailed look…

Goalkeeper: Matt Freese

Matt Turner started against Turkey and quietly delivered a better showing than many acknowledged. However, it wasn’t enough to displace Freese, who still appears to be the preferred No. 1.

Freese has not faced too many difficult situations so far in the tournament. That could change in this knockout clash.

Left-Back: Antonee Robinson

Among the surest selections in the squad, Robinson’s place is unquestioned.

He has been the first-choice left-back for years, and judging by his consistent form this summer, there’s no reason for that to change. When he’s fit, he starts — simple as that.

Centre-Back: Tim Ream

Age and pace may be debated, but the composure and leadership the 38-year-old veteran brings cannot be overlooked. That calmness was clearly missing against Turkey. It’s fair to wonder whether the U.S. would have conceded all three goals had Ream been on the pitch.

There will be moments when opponents threaten in behind, but Ream’s intelligence and ball-playing ability make him invaluable.

Centre-Back: Chris Richards

The reason Ream’s inclusion works so well is because Richards provides the cover and athleticism needed beside him. He’s been superb in that role so far.

Richards has also stood out in possession, adding composure and precision to the USMNT’s build-up play — something that could again be crucial against a Bosnian side expected to play more defensively.

Right-Back: Alex Freeman

The youngest member of the USMNT has performed beyond his years in this tournament. While he was partially at fault for Turkey’s winning goal, overall he’s impressed with his athleticism and growing tactical awareness.

Freeman fills a unique tactical role, one that has suited him perfectly throughout the summer. The U.S. will hope he continues to mature and assert himself as a reliable defensive option.

Central Midfielder: Tyler Adams

No one in the U.S. setup offers what Adams does. His absence against Turkey was glaring, as the team struggled without a true ball-winning midfielder. Sebastian Berhalter contributed well going forward, but defensively the side lacked balance without a natural No. 6.

This is where Adams thrives, anchoring the midfield and freeing others to play to their strengths. His stability has been vital to the team’s overall structure.

Central Midfielder: Weston McKennie

The only player retained from the previous match, McKennie’s inclusion last time was largely due to a shortage of midfielders. He ended up logging more minutes than ideal, but his performances have been excellent throughout the tournament.

McKennie’s interplay with Sergino Dest on the right has been particularly effective. He’s elevated his game this summer, influencing proceedings both offensively and defensively — a key reason behind the team’s improved balance.

Central Midfielder: Malik Tillman

Tillman’s underlying statistics have been exceptional — and his performances back them up.

Operating primarily as a No. 8, Tillman has excelled in the finer aspects — movement, pressing, and creativity. Against a Bosnia side likely to sit deep, his imagination in tight spaces and quick pressing will be vital for the U.S. to control proceedings and regain possession swiftly.

Left Wing: Christian Pulisic

He’s back — and looking sharp.

Pulisic put in a strong display against Turkey, easing doubts over his fitness. He created multiple opportunities and, with full sharpness, might have scored. With additional recovery time, he should be near peak condition — a massive boost for the Americans.

Right Wing: Sergino Dest

The USMNT’s dynamic dribbler continues to unsettle defences with his flair and unpredictability. He’s done so in both his starts, and the team will need more of the same here.

In addition, Dest provides defensive support when required, functioning as a wingback. His energy could be crucial against Bosnia’s quick counter-attacks.

Striker: Folarin Balogun

Balogun has been the standout attacking force this summer, retaining his starting role ahead of Ricardo Pepi.

While the Golden Boot chase has effectively ended due to Lionel Messi’s prolific form, Balogun’s goals remain vital for the USMNT’s hopes of progressing deeper into the knockout stages.