Ten-Man USA Hold Off Bosnia To Reach World Cup 16

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium with goals late in each half to book a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman scored for the US, while Balogun’s red card left Mauricio Pochettino’s side down to 10 men for the final 30 minutes. The Americans held on to set up a Round of 16 clash with Belgium.

Balogun had an earlier goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of halftime. The United States forward capitalized on a through ball from midfielder Tillman, benefited from a double deflection, and calmly slotted the ball under advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Bosnia and Herzegovina were handed a lifeline in the 64th minute when Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the United States sealed the victory when Tillman converted a free-kick moments after United States captain Christian Pulisic had a goal disallowed for offside.

The victory was only the United States’ second FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win, ended a 12-match winless run against European opposition, and secured a fourth Round of 16 appearance in its last four World Cup participations.

Pochettino’s side will face Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 7, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake. (IANS)