The United States secured a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite finishing the match with 10 men after Folarin Balogun was sent off.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side controlled the contest in Santa Clara, producing an energetic performance that earned them a deserved place in the next round.
Balogun gave the hosts the lead before his night ended prematurely with a red card early in the second half. Malik Tillman later wrapped up the victory with a well-taken free-kick.
The win sets up a last-16 meeting with Belgium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Balogun opens scoring before dismissal
The United States dominated possession from the opening whistle, while Bosnia and Herzegovina struggled to threaten in attack.
Their pressure paid off when Balogun reacted quickest to a deflected pass from Tillman, steering the ball beyond goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to break the deadlock.
The Monaco striker continued to trouble Bosnia’s defence until the 63rd minute, when his evening took an unfortunate turn.
Balogun was shown a red card after becoming entangled with Tarik Muharemovic, with his studs catching the defender’s calf during the challenge.
The dismissal briefly raised hopes of a Bosnia comeback, but the visitors failed to make their numerical advantage count.
Tillman seals victory
Instead, the United States remained in control and continued to create the better chances despite being reduced to 10 players.
Tillman eventually made the result safe with a curling free-kick late in the game, leaving the Bosnia goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal capped an impressive night from the midfielder, who had also played a key role in the opening goal.
The victory sends the United States into the last 16, where they will face Belgium in Seattle on July 6 for a place in the quarter-finals.
