BETTING GUIDE: USA VS Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain vs Austria, World Cup predictions

BETTING GUIDE: United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States head into their Round of 32 clash as group winners and one of the more balanced attacking sides in the tournament so far.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team have shown strong intensity going forward, especially in their wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will rely heavily on home advantage once again.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive as one of the best third-placed qualifiers, surviving a mixed group stage campaign.

Despite heavy defeat to Switzerland, they showed resilience in key moments and will look to frustrate the USA with a compact defensive structure and experienced leadership in attack.

Kick-off: 3:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Thursday

Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Round of 32 (Knockout Stage)

Current standings: Knockout stage – winner progresses to Round of 16

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Qualification implications: Winner advances to Round of 16, loser eliminated from the tournament

Form Guide

USA:

✅ Win vs Paraguay (4-1)

✅ Win vs Australia (2-0)

❌ Loss vs Turkey (2-3)

✅ Win vs Costa Rica (3-1)

➖ Draw vs Colombia (1-1)

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

➖ Draw vs Canada (1-1)

❌ Loss vs Switzerland (1-4)

✅ Win vs Qatar (3-1)

➖ Draw vs Slovakia (0-0)

❌ Loss vs Portugal (0-2)

Player to Watch

Christian Pulisic (USA)

Pulisic remains the main creative spark for the United States, combining dribbling ability, pace, and final-third decision-making.

His influence grows in big knockout matches where tight spaces demand individual quality. He will be crucial in breaking down Bosnia’s compact defensive lines.

If USA are to control the game, Pulisic is likely to be involved in key attacking transitions and goal-scoring chances.

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Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Džeko brings elite experience and aerial presence, serving as Bosnia’s focal point in attack.

Even at this stage of his career, his positioning and finishing remain dangerous in limited chances.

His leadership will also be vital in guiding a relatively inexperienced squad in knockout pressure. Bosnia’s upset hopes depend heavily on his ability to convert rare opportunities.

Team News

USA:

🟡 Christian Roldan – muscle issue (doubt)

🟡 Mark McKenzie – foot injury (late fitness test)

🟡 Auston Trusty – ankle concern

🟢 Christian Pulisic – fit

🟢 Folarin Balogun – fit, expected to start

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Bosnia and Herzegovina:

🟡 Amar Dedić – thigh injury (doubt)

🟢 Tarik Muharemović – returns from suspension

🟢 Edin Džeko – fit and expected to start

🟢 Ermedin Demirović – available

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Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): USA to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Over 1.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): USA to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- USA Win

• Meshack Kisenge- USA Win

• Kevin Teya- USA Win

• Sammy Gitahi- USA Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Bosnia Win on penalties

• Victor Karuga- USA Win

• Josh Angatia- Draw

BETTING GUIDE: Spain vs Austria

Spain head into this Round of 32 clash as one of the most defensively dominant teams in the 2026 World Cup, having not conceded a single goal in the group stage.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have combined control, discipline, and patience, making them one of the hardest teams to break down in the tournament.

Austria, however, arrive with real belief after a dramatic group stage finish that saw them snatch qualification in the dying moments.

Ralf Rangnick’s side are intense, direct, and physically strong, and they will look to disrupt Spain’s rhythm and turn the game into a high-energy battle.

Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Thursday

Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Round of 32 (Knockout Stage)

Current standings: Knockout stage – winner progresses to Round of 16

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Qualification implications: Winner advances to Round of 16, loser eliminated from the tournament

Form Guide

Spain:

➖ Draw vs Cape Verde (0-0)

✅ Win vs Uruguay (1-0)

✅ Win vs Japan (2-0)

➖ Draw vs Morocco (0-0)

✅ Win vs Italy (1-0)

Austria:

✅ Win vs Brazil (2-1)

❌ Loss vs Argentina (0-2)

➖ Draw vs Algeria (3-3)

✅ Win vs Sweden (1-0)

➖ Draw vs Poland (1-1)

Player to Watch

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Pedri (Spain)

Pedri is the creative heartbeat of Spain’s midfield, dictating tempo with intelligence and calmness under pressure. His ability to control possession allows Spain to suffocate opponents for long periods.

In a match where Austria will press aggressively, Pedri’s press resistance and passing accuracy become even more important.

He will be key in unlocking a compact defensive structure.

Marcel Sabitzer (Austria)

Sabitzer provides Austria with creativity, energy, and long-range threat from midfield. His ability to transition quickly makes him crucial in Rangnick’s fast-paced system.

Against Spain’s structured defence, his decision-making in counter-attacks will be vital.

Austria will rely on him to create moments of surprise in an otherwise controlled match.

Team News

Spain:

❌ Nico Williams – adductor injury (doubt)

❌ Yeremy Pino – shoulder injury (doubt)

🟡 Víctor Muñoz – thigh issue (late fitness test)

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Austria:

🟡 David Alaba – minor knee discomfort (doubt)

🟡 Marko Arnautović – fitness concern (expected to feature)

Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Spain to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Under 2.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Yamal to Score

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Spain Over 1.5 goals

• Meshack Kisenge- Spain Win

• Kevin Teya- Spain Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Spain Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Spain Win

• Victor Karuga- Spain Win

• Josh Angatia- Spain Win

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling