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World Cup Bracket: USA Will Have To Get Through Ghana, Uruguay To Make Final Four

Following the Group C and D finales, the World Cup bracket for the round of 16 is starting to take shape. While some US fans have been turned off by the confusing aspects of group play (so many scenarios!), the knockout stage is much more digestible to the average American: win and you move on. Welcome to World Cup bracketology.

Here’s how the US side of the bracket looks as of June 23rd at 5:00pm.

As you can see, the U.S. has a favorable draw vs. unlikely Ghana, who lost their way into the knockout round. Assuming a U.S. win, the Americans would likely play Uruguay, a formidable opponent out of Group A (the France and South Africa group).

Now let’s get really carried away. Let’s say the United States defeats Ghana and their round 2 opponent, and find themselves in the final four of the World Cup (yes, we’re using College Basketball terminology because, last time I checked, this is still America).

As it stands now, the US would face one of four teams: the Netherlands, Italy, Spain (gulp), or Brazil (double gulp). I immediately regret getting carried away. Let’s just beat Ghana.

For the full bracket and group standings, check out ESPN’s World Cup homepage.