The U.S. Men’s National Team’s strong run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Wednesday with Mauricio Pochettino’s men setting up a rematch against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Folarin Balogun’s first-half finish paired with Malik Tillman’s second-half free kick goal propelled the Americans past Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in Round of 32 play at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Balogun was sent off after receiving a straight red card after the hour mark, but the USMNT would hang on with 10-men to claim their third victory of the summer tournament.
Balogun’s ejection also leads to his suspension for July 6th’s Round of 16 date with the Belgians at Seattle Field.
“We had to dig deep for that one,” USMNT attacker Christian Pulisic told FOX in a postmatch interview. “We put on such a good performance, but I didn’t think we deserved the red card although I didn’t see it. We are really proud with the performance.”
A frantic start saw USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese make two key punches to keep Bosnia-Herzegovina at bay before the Americans started picking up the offensive pressure.
Balogun looked to have given the USMNT a first-half lead after 31 minutes but had his waived off due to offsides. Balogun was played into the box by Weston McKennie’s clever pass before drilling a shot into the far right corner.
However, VAR reviewed the play and ruled offsides after Balogun’s front foot was ahead of the Bosnia-Herzegovina backline.
Balogun would make amends though before halftime by scoring his third-career FIFA World Cup goal. Malik Tillman slid a pass into the Bosnia-Herzegovina backline and after an attempted sliding clearance from Stjepan Radeljic fell to Balogun, the Monaco striker slid a left-footed shot underneath Nikola Vasilj.
Balogun’s tally tied Brian McBride for third place on the USMNT’s all-time World Cup goalscoring list.
Increased pressure and a trio of substitutions made by Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second half eventually led to a break going in their favor.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after VAR ruled for a red card foul after the USMNT forward stepped on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic in a tangle for possession. The 24-year-old was clearly upset as he left the field, knowing that he left his team in a worrying spot.
Despite being down to 10-men for 20+ minutes, Tillman would ice the result with his first World Cup goal. Tillman looped a free kick over the Bosnia-Herzegovina wall, past a diving Vasilj and into the bottom-left corner, helping ensure the Americans spot into the next round.
The USMNT would hang on to seal a second-straight Round of 16 berth at the World Cup, while also registering their second clean sheet.
“It takes a lot,” Pulisic said about the USMNT’s fight with 10-men for the final stretch of the match. “The guys had to dig deep. It didn’t go as planned due to the red card, but that shows how good we are. We were able to do it.”
Belgium awaits the USMNT in Seattle on July 6, knowing they have won each of its last six head-to-head matchups between the two countries.
Source: Sbisoccer.com