World Cup 2026 live updates: US looks to win first knockout match in 24 years in Bay Area

The United States national team has grown tired of hearing about its traditional shortcomings in World Cup knockout matches.

The Americans will look to change that narrative on Wednesday as they attempt to win their first World Cup elimination game in 24 years when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 in Santa Clara, California.

The Americans' last, and only, knockout win came on June 17, 2002, when they defeated Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 in South Korea.

The good news for the Americans is they should have a healthy Christian Pulisic after the star missed the second game with a calf injury and played only 33 minutes as a sub in the final group match against Turkey.

"I feel good and ready to go for tomorrow," Pulisic said.

The U.S. will once again play a knockout round match at a home World Cup in the San Francisco Bay area. The 1994 team made it out of group stage and faced Brazil at Stanford Stadium - less than 15 miles away from the site of this year's game in Santa Clara - only to lose 1-0 to the eventual champions.

Since that round of 16 win over Mexico in 2002, the U.S. is 0-3 at that stage but are favored to advance against Bosnia, according to oddsmakers.

"We understand what it means, you win or you go home. There definitely needs to be a lot of focus and attention detail this week," Pulisic said. "But I think the vibe feels good. We've still kept it light and we still are going to be ready to battle once the whistle blows."

The U.S. has one win in 21 games against European teams with seven draws and 13 losses since making it back to the World Cup in 1990 for the first time in 40 years.

Police are searching for a suspect after two people were shot as a World Cup watch party was ending in San Francisco, while officers in San Jose issued an unlawful assembly order after clashes with crowds following a separate watch party.

San Francisco Shooting

Police are searching for a suspect after two people were shot as a World Cup watch party was ending in San Francisco, while officers in San Jose issued an unlawful assembly order after clashes with crowds following a separate watch party.

San Francisco police said the shooting happened at about 9 p.m. at Spark Social, a food truck park in the Mission Bay neighborhood near Chase Center.

Investigators believe an argument led to the shooting. Two people were injured and are expected to survive, police said.

Authorities did not immediately identify a suspect and said the investigation remains ongoing.

San Jose Stabbings and Mayhem

In San Jose, police made arrests and confronted crowds after a World Cup watch party at San Pedro Square.

Officers responded to multiple fights, where two people were stabbed in separate incidents, but the injuries were not life-threatening.

Officers also responded to fireworks being set off and other disorder and violence, issuing an unlawful assembly order and directing people to disperse. San Jose police say that people in the crowd threw bottles at responding officers.

Multiple people also climbed onto an ambulance, interfering with emergency responders.

Video from about 10:30 p.m. showed police confronting fans, and some people were seen in handcuffs.

San Jose police have not yet said how many people were detained. Officials are being contacted for additional information.

The crowds in San Jose went wild Tuesday as Mexico defeated Ecuador to advance to the next round of the World Cup.

The crowds in San Jose went wild Tuesday as Mexico defeated Ecuador to advance to the next round of the World Cup.

"It's just electric. Once in a lifetime. You have to be here to experience it. So much good energy," said Josie Guzman and Lupita Zamora.

Tens of thousands of people showed up to watch the game.

"I've seen a lot of my for you page. A lot on my social media. That's why I was like, I got to go see what the hype's about," said Marci Pippin.

While some arrived just before the kickoff and were stuck in overflow areas, others say they've been here for hours.

"We still got here late. By the time we were here I think around 10 am they had already packed up the third and fourth floor," said Esquivel Barragan.

Mexico has won every game they've played so far in this year's tournament.

And many fans believe their team has a chance to advance pretty far.

"Mexico, I'm hoping we can face England. And after that, let's see who," said Rafa Sanchez.

The Fifa frenzy that's swept the South Bay is set to continue on Wednesday.

That's when Team USA will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first knockout round.

And many of these fans tell us, they're also ready for that game.

"I'm excited for Team USA to play. I'm Mexican but we're in the USA. We also got to support Team USA," said Francisco Hernandez.

World Cup excitement is sweeping across the Bay Area as fans, businesses and local venues prepare for Team USA's Round of 32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at Levi's Stadium.

World Cup excitement is sweeping across the Bay Area as fans, businesses and local venues prepare for Team USA's Round of 32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at Levi's Stadium.

Thousands of soccer fans have traveled to the region for the FIFA World Cup, with many hoping to see the United States advance in one of the most anticipated matches ever played in the Bay Area.

"I'm nervous. a tough game for sure. They'll prevail though," said Peter Chapman, a Long Beach resident who traveled to attend the match.

Chapman said he has followed Team USA throughout the tournament.

"I've been to all games in the U.S. -- two at SoFi, 1 in Seattle, and this one here. So, I'm pumped," he said.

Fans gathered Tuesday at venues across San Jose, including San Pedro Square, where matches were shown on a large screen.

EJ Cruz of Union City attended with his wife and children and said his focus is already on Wednesday's game.

"Team USA tomorrow. We're ready!" Cruz said.

Matthew Schnell traveled from Boston for the opportunity to watch the U.S. national team compete in the World Cup.

"Every four years, you watch and you're like, oh my God I'm going!'" Schnell said.

"I got the tickets -- round of 32 in the USA supporter section," he added.

Schnell said the trip included an unexpected encounter with one of the team's players.

"I said 'hey, let's get it done tomorrow' and he gave me a fist bump!" Schnell said.

Meanwhile, Team USA trained at PayPal Park before Wednesday's win-or-go-home matchup.

"Tomorrow is going to be a very tough battle for us," said U.S. Men's National Team forward Christian Pulisic. "Just believe in our team and give it everything we have. We're going to lay it all on the line."

Local businesses are also preparing for a surge of fans.

At Jack's Bar on East Taylor Street in San Jose, manager Jordan Trigg said the establishment dramatically increased its inventory for the event.

"We brought over 30 kegs just for today and tomorrow," Trigg said.

The bar typically brings in about 10 kegs per week. Additional supplies were still being delivered Tuesday.

"We're going to put a few more kegs in here too," Trigg said.

Jack's Bar, the official American Outlaws bar in San Jose, expects fans from across the country to gather there before heading to the stadium.

"That's all anyone is talking about right now," Trigg said.

The bar also plans transportation for supporters on match day.

"We will have four shuttle buses leaving Jacks, going to Levi's, draping them off at AO tailgate and fans will march into the stadium," Trigg said.

The enthusiasm extends beyond bars and watch parties.

"It's like the craziest thing. We got to win it. We got to win it tomorrow baby. Let's go!" Cruz said.

The buildup continued Tuesday evening at Clara's Junction in San Jose, where organizers scheduled a "Night Before the Party" event featuring live music and appearances by surprise U.S. soccer alumni ahead of Wednesday's match.

Organizers also said RSVPs are now required for all Round of 32 watch parties at San Pedro Square.