RismadarVoice Reporters, July 2, 2026
Folarin Balogun scored before being sent off as the United States secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday to book a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
The victory marked the co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout-stage win in nearly 25 years and only the second in the nation’s history. The Americans will now face Belgium in the last 16 on Monday in Seattle.
Balogun opened the scoring just before half-time, sending home fans into celebration after finishing a well-worked attacking move.
The goal came in the 45th minute when captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick and found Malik Tillman, whose pass deflected into Balogun’s path. The striker calmly slotted the ball beneath goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Bosnia had created the better chances in the early stages, with veteran captain Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović both testing American goalkeeper Matt Freese, who produced key saves to keep the scores level.
The United States gradually took control of the game, with Balogun twice threatening before eventually breaking the deadlock.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review ruled that he had stamped on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović.
Reduced to 10 men, the United States came under sustained pressure, but Bosnia failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage.
Instead, the Americans doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Malik Tillman, who curled a superb free-kick beyond Vasilj after Sergiño Dest was fouled just outside the penalty area.
Bosnia pushed for a late response during 10 minutes of added time, but the United States defended resolutely to preserve their clean sheet and seal a memorable victory.
The result keeps the Americans’ World Cup campaign alive on home soil as they prepare for a Round of 16 showdown against Belgium. Balogun, however, is expected to miss the encounter due to suspension following his red card.
