United States faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup qualifying match
OutKick host Dan Dakich previews the high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Team USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dakich highlights the fast athletic play of the United States against the physical style of Bosnia. It also highlights the crucial role of the home crowd in Santa Clara, California, and draws parallels to historic sporting matchups, highlighting the significant betting odds. It then previews OutKick’s new three-part documentary series that tells American history through the lens of sports.
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Another day, another great World Cup schedule. I guess I can call it soccer, considering it’s primarily celebrated in the United States. Even though I don’t understand all the rules of soccer, it’s been fun to watch. Just like the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics, when every country cares, the games are simply more exciting. The United States is not known for being a soccer country, but we all support the men’s team.
Yesterday I made a play in each game and I will try to do it again. I lost when England allowed a goal to Congo, bringing the total to over 2.5, but I was right that England would score two or less. In the game against Belgium, we beat both teams to score, and a +230 winner if you bet on a draw at 90 minutes. I couldn’t get a winner for us in the USA game as I bet on both teams to score. Team USA won 2-0 and Bosnia-Herzegovina failed to score despite a horrific red card that gave them a one-man advantage.
Austrian goalkeeper Robert Almer, left, watches as Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, center, misses a penalty during the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Portugal and Austria at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Spain vs Austria
Spain is a big favorite in this game. They are -360 on the three-way moneyline and a draw is the second option, meaning Austria is highly unlikely to win the game. To emphasize this point, Spain is -1000 to qualify and advance, meaning that if it goes to overtime and penalty kicks, they are still very likely to win. In the group stage, Spain started with a disappointing draw against Cape Verde, then achieved two victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Austria won its first match against Jordan, then lost 2-0 to Argentina and drew with Algeria. They don’t seem to be the sharpest team in the tournament. I think Spain has a great defense and will continue to be their strength here. I think they left out Austria, give me the team’s total of less than 0.5.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field 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 at only -300, not as much of a favorite as Spain. Most of the talk about Portugal I’ve seen has been about Cristiano Ronaldo and him being a problem for the team. He has only scored in one of the three games, but he scored twice in that game. Portugal has not looked very good in this tournament either. They have played with two draws and one victory. Croatia doesn’t have the same star power, but they played well in the group stage. They lost 4-2 to England, but beat Panama and Ghana. I think there are two options for this game. I think we should see more than 2.5 goals, but I don’t really love the bet. Portugal hasn’t looked elite, so I could see this being a draw. I’ll make a smaller bet, but I’ll play to a tie 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 (Images by Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn)
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Switzerland vs Algeria
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This is the closest match in terms of lines for today’s slate. Switzerland are -105 favorites to win, but those odds dropped from -120, meaning people think this should be a closer match. They began their World Cup campaign with a draw against Qatar before getting caught and beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1. Then, against Canada, they managed to win 2-1. Algeria went 1-1-1 in its three games. They lost 3-0 to Argentina, one of the best teams in the tournament. They then beat Jordan 2-1, before drawing against Austria. Personally, I don’t see the love for Algeria. I think Switzerland is the best team. Algeria has been giving up goals to everyone. Perhaps the Both Teams to Score bet at -125 is the best value, but I will choose Switzerland to win in 90 minutes at -105.
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