Folarin Balogun scored before being sent off as the United States defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated the Round of 32 encounter and secured victory through Balogun’s first-half strike before Malik Tillman sealed the result with a late free-kick.
The United States will now face Belgium in the last 16 in Seattle on Monday, July 6 (01:00 BST on Tuesday).
Balogun opens scoring
The Americans controlled possession and created the better chances against a Bosnia side that offered little attacking threat for much of the contest.
Balogun broke the deadlock after reacting quickest to steer Tillman’s deflected pass beyond Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
The Monaco striker thought he had scored moments earlier, but that effort was ruled out for offside.
Red card mars strong display
Balogun’s night ended prematurely shortly after the hour mark when he was shown a red card following a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.
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The forward became entangled with the Bosnia defender, with his studs catching Muharemovic’s calf towards the ankle.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the United States remained in control.
Tillman wrapped up the win with a curling free-kick late in the match after Christian Pulisic had also seen a goal ruled out for offside.
USA set for Belgium test
The victory marked the United States’ first World Cup knockout win since 2002 and their first victory over a European nation in 11 matches.
However, Balogun’s dismissal means Pochettino may have to prepare for the last-16 clash against Belgium without one of his most influential players at the tournament.
Balogun has scored three goals in three World Cup appearances and became the first player to score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout match since France’s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
