The United States advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, overcoming a second-half red card to striker Folarin Balogun.
Mauricio Pochettino's side will now face Belgium in the Round of 16 after recording its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 2002 and only its second knockout win in tournament history.
The Americans controlled much of the match but had an early goal ruled out for offside when Balogun finished after a high press forced a defensive error.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in first-half stoppage time. Tim Ream regained possession in midfield before Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman combined to release Balogun, who calmly slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to score his third goal of the tournament.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review determined his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic constituted serious foul play. The dismissal means the striker will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Despite playing with 10 men, the United States defended resolutely before Malik Tillman sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a superb free-kick that curled over the wall and into the corner of the net.
The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16, where it will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday.
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