The United States soccer team secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2, 2026, advancing to the last 16 of the World Cup and ending a 24-year wait for a knockout-stage win. The match, held in the San Francisco Bay Area, was marked by a high tempo and physical play.
Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal near halftime but was sent off after the break for a serious foul on Bosnian player Tarik Muharemovic, an incident described as appearing accidental. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the US team maintained their lead.
Malik Tillman extended the lead with a free kick eight minutes from the end of the match. The game also saw goals by Balogun and Christian Pulisic disallowed. The US team, energized by a partisan crowd chanting “U-S-A,” played with speed and intensity, with Pulisic returning to the lineup and key contributions from Weston McKennie and Tillman.
This victory ended the United States’ streak of 10 consecutive defeats against European opponents and set up a last-16 match in Seattle against Belgium, who defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
The match was a physical encounter where luck was not always on the side of the hosts, but the Americans prevailed to keep alive hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
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