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By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
The United States secured a determined 2,0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overcoming a second half red card to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Playing in front of nearly 69,000 supporters at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Mauricio Pochettino’s side showed resilience and defensive discipline after being reduced to 10 men, with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman sealing progression to the knockout stage.
The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after securing a historic 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Americans played with 10 men for nearly half an hour following Folarin Balogun's controversial 64th-minute… pic.twitter.com/todbrBioap— Victor Bigham 🇺🇸 (@Ravious101) July 2, 2026
Balogun Breaks the Deadlock
The United States controlled possession for much of the opening half, although Bosnia and Herzegovina remained well organized defensively and threatened first with a dangerous corner that nearly surprised goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Bosnia, featuring Benfica defender Amar Dedić in the starting lineup, frustrated the hosts for long periods before the American pressure finally paid off.
Balogun thought he had opened the scoring in the 31st minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough eventually arrived on the stroke of halftime. Malik Tillman won possession high up the pitch before finding Balogun, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to give the United States a 1,0 lead in the 45th minute.
Red Card Changes the Match
The second half remained evenly balanced until the game took a dramatic turn.
Bosnia suffered an early setback when veteran striker Edin Džeko was forced off through injury in the 51st minute. Moments later, the United States were reduced to 10 men after Balogun received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Tarik Muharemović in the 64th minute.
With a numerical advantage, Bosnia increased the pressure and created several opportunities through Ermedin Demirović and substitute Esmir Bajraktarević, but goalkeeper Matt Freese produced a series of crucial saves to preserve the American lead.
Tillman Seals Qualification
Despite playing with 10 men, the hosts delivered the decisive blow with eight minutes remaining.
Malik Tillman curled a superb direct free kick beyond Nikola Vasilj in the 82nd minute, doubling the United States’ advantage and effectively ending Bosnia’s hopes of a comeback.
Bosnia continued to push during stoppage time, with Ermin Mahmić and Kerim Alajbegović both threatening, but the American defense held firm to secure a deserved victory.
Belgium Awaits
The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16 for the eighth time in FIFA World Cup history.
Pochettino’s side will now face Belgium in Seattle on Friday after the Red Devils completed a dramatic extra time comeback against Senegal earlier in the day.
For the United States, the performance demonstrated both attacking efficiency and defensive resilience, qualities they will hope to carry into a challenging encounter against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Match Summary
2026 FIFA World Cup, Round of 32
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, United States
Result: United States 2,0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Goals:
- Folarin Balogun, 45′
- Malik Tillman, 82′
Red Card:
- Folarin Balogun (United States), 64′
Attendance: 68,827