A home World Cup and the USMNT have already secured their place in the knockout stages as group winners with a game to spare. Mauricio Pochettino's side are enjoying an impressive run of form, remaining unbeaten after a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay and a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia.
Their final group match against Turkey was expected to be a battle for the top spot, but the European side endured a frustrating campaign. Despite registering 62 shots across their opening two matches, Turkey have failed to score a single goal, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the group. Whether through wasteful finishing or sheer misfortune, their lack of a cutting edge has turned what was supposed to be a decisive encounter into little more than a dead rubber.
Pochettino and his players will now turn their attention to the other groups as they await confirmation of their Round of 32 opponents. The USMNT are set to face a third-placed team from Group B, E, F, I or J, with several intriguing possibilities still in the mix. Here, we assess the potential opponents standing between the Americans and a place in the last 16.
Senegal - USMNT's hardest potential opponents
Despite failing to win a match so far, Senegal arguably represents the biggest threat to the USMNT among the potential Round of 32 opponents. The Lions of Teranga could easily have taken points from both Norway and France had they been more clinical in front of goal and maintained their first-half intensity in the first game.
With Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane leading the attack, Senegal possesses the firepower to trouble any defence in the tournament. To keep their knockout hopes alive, they will likely need to beat Iraq, and ideally by a convincing margin of at least two goals, to secure progression as one of the best third-placed teams.
Sweden or Japan
Sweden currently sit third in the group, one point behind Japan, and still have an outside chance of securing automatic qualification. However, they face a daunting task against a Japanese side that has impressed throughout the tournament.
The Swedes have been unpredictable, thrashing Tunisia 5-1 before suffering the same result in defeat to the Netherlands. That inconsistency makes them a difficult team to judge, but they do have a strong attack in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
From a USMNT perspective, a Japan victory would be the preferred outcome. Japan's disciplined, efficient style and clinical finishing make them one of the more dangerous potential opponents, and a team Pochettino's side would be keen to avoid early in the knockout rounds.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On paper, the USMNT would be expected to overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina, but World Cups are not won on paper. The Europeans have reached this stage through organisation, resilience and a strong team ethic rather than relying on star names.
Bosnia have already secured third place in their group and showed their clinical edge in the 3-1 victory over Qatar, taking their chances when it mattered most. They may lack household names, but they have proven they can frustrate opponents and punish mistakes, making them a potentially tricky knockout opponent.
Ecuador
Ecuador are in danger of missing out on qualification altogether, sitting on just one point ahead of their toughest group match against Germany. Their disappointing campaign was summed up by a goalless draw with Curaçao, a result that significantly damaged their hopes of progressing.
Many tipped Ecuador as dark horses before the tournament, and they could still spring a surprise against a Germany side that may rotate after securing top spot. If they do sneak through, the USMNT would face a stubborn opponent boasting the defensive quality of Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié.
Algeria or Austria - USMNT's easiest potential opponents
If Algeria beat Austria in the last group fixture, the USMNT would face the Europeans, who could provide a stern test. However, given the form and firepower at Pochettino's disposal, the Americans would still be confident of progressing.
Should Algeria secure third place instead, they would arguably represent the most favourable draw. That said, the North Africans are still capable of causing problems, with the experience of Riyad Mahrez and the emerging talent of Ibrahim Maza offering a genuine attacking threat on their day.
By Sunday evening, Pochettino and the USMNT will know who they will be facing at the stadium in Santa Clara.
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