The United States faces Bosnia and Herzegovina today in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake. Ahead of the knockout match, FIFA has confirmed the officiating crew, led by one of South America’s most experienced referees.
Who is the referee for USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The referee for today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina is Raphael Claus of Brazil.
Claus has become one of FIFA’s most trusted officials after years of officiating top-level international and domestic matches. He has overseen contests at the FIFA World Cup, Copa América, FIFA Club World Cup, and Brazil’s Série A.
As the center referee, Claus will be responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game, issuing disciplinary cards, managing player conduct, and working alongside the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team on key decisions.
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Match Details
- Match: United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Round: Round of 32
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Raphael Claus’ International Experience
Raphael Claus has established himself as one of the leading referees in world football. His résumé includes officiating matches in:
- FIFA World Cup
- Copa América
- FIFA Club World Cup
- CONMEBOL competitions
- Brazil’s Série A
His experience in high-pressure knockout matches made him a logical selection for one of the marquee Round of 32 fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What’s at Stake?
With the tournament now in the knockout stage, today’s match cannot end in a draw. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the teams will play 30 minutes of extra time. Should the deadlock remain, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.
The winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina advances to the Round of 16, while the losing team’s World Cup journey comes to an end.
As the stakes rise, all eyes will be on Raphael Claus and his officiating crew to ensure one of the tournament’s biggest knockout matches is decided fairly and according to the Laws of the Game.