USA struggles but advances: 2-0 over Bosnia with ten men and Tillman's stunner
- Estados Unidos defeated Bosnia 2-0 and advanced to the round of 16 playing more than half an hour with ten players, achieving their first victory in a World Cup knockout since 2002
- Folarin Balogun scored the first goal before halftime (45') but was sent off with a direct red card in the 64th minute for a controversial action that the referee reviewed with VAR
- Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a spectacular free-kick goal in the 82', allowing EE.UU. to advance to the round of 16 against Belgium despite playing with numerical disadvantage
Suffering, epic drama and controversy in Santa Clara. United States beat Bosnia 2-0 and made it to the last 16 playing over half an hour with ten men, in their first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since 2002. The home crowd on their feet.
The match. Bosnia came out fearless and issued an early warning—Freese had to be sharp against Demirović—but first blood counts for two: just before the break, in the 45th minute, a deflected ball fell to Folarin Balogun, who finished low past the keeper for 1-0. His third goal of the tournament.
Controversial red and unlikely hero. In the 64th minute, Balogun challenged Muharemović in the air and stepped on him as he landed; the referee, alerted by VAR, showed a straight red. A hugely debated call—Pochettino called it unjust—that left the USA down to ten and without their main weapon for the last 16. But with one fewer man, Malik Tillman stepped up: in the 82nd minute, he curled a free-kick over the wall, impossible for Vasilj, and sealed the 2-0.
What's next. United States, co-hosts with their crowd behind them, will face Belgium in the last 16 after Belgium had just dumped out Senegal. But they'll have to do it without Balogun, suspended. Bosnia, in their second World Cup, bow out after a respectable group stage.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the United States vs Bosnia Round of 16 match?
United States 2-0 Bosnia, on 1 July 2026 in Santa Clara. Goals from Folarin Balogun (45') and Malik Tillman (82'), the latter scored with the United States already down to ten men.
Who does the United States face in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup?
The United States will face Belgium in the Round of 16. They will be without Folarin Balogun, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Bosnia.
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