Online Sports Desk
The United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the match saw the Americans progress despite playing the final stages with 10 men. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime and was subsequently shown a red card in the second half. Despite the disadvantage, Malik Tillman scored a sublime late free-kick to secure the victory.
Victory over Bosnia sets up a last-16 tie against Belgium, who previously rallied to defeat Senegal 3-2. The Round of 16 matchup is scheduled for Monday in Seattle.
Balogun dominated the first half with his goal and several other chances that helped the U.S. control the match early but the Americans had to scramble down a man after his foul against Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute.
Tillman helped seal the win when he scored on a free kick from just outside the box in the 82nd minute with a shot off the hand of goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
That gave the U.S. just its second World Cup knockout round win. The Americans made it to the semifinals in the first tournament in 1930 by winning their group and won a round of 16 matchup against Mexico in 2002.
The win over Bosnia in the round of 32 in this year’s expanded tournament sets up a matchup on Monday in Seattle against Belgium as the U.S. hopes to make a deep run on home soil.
