The United States booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite playing the final stages of the match with 10 men.
Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead shortly before half-time, capitalising on a defensive error to score in the 45th minute. Malik Tillman then secured the result with a well-struck free-kick eight minutes from time.
The win sends the United States into a round-of-16 meeting with Belgium, who progressed after a dramatic victory over Senegal.
The match is scheduled to take place at Seattle Stadium on Tuesday, 7 July, with kick-off set for 03:00 Mecca time.
Balogun’s goal gives USA control
The United States made the decisive breakthrough at the end of the first half when Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to deal with a defensive situation.
Balogun found himself in space in front of goal after the lapse and made no mistake, finishing confidently to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.
The goal sparked celebrations among the American supporters inside the stadium and handed the United States a valuable lead going into the interval.
Bosnia had shown enough in possession to suggest they could pose problems for the hosts. They held 51% of the ball during the contest, compared with 49% for the United States, but were unable to turn their control into a goal.
The Bosnian side registered eight shots, with three hitting the target. However, the United States defence remained organised when required and protected their lead through much of the second half.
Red card adds pressure
The United States were forced to deal with a major setback in the 61st minute when Balogun was sent off after a violent tackle on a Bosnian player.
His dismissal left the Americans with 10 players for the remainder of the game and gave Bosnia an opportunity to increase their pressure.
Bosnia continued to search for an equaliser, producing three corner kicks and completing passes at an accuracy rate of 82%.
But the United States remained resilient, combining defensive discipline with a willingness to threaten when opportunities emerged.
The Americans also recorded eight shots in the match, with two on target. They won four corners and finished with an 84% passing accuracy.
Tillman settles the contest
With Bosnia pushing forward in search of a late goal, the United States found the decisive second strike in the 82nd minute.
Tillman stepped up to take a direct free-kick and delivered an impressive finish, sending the ball into the Bosnia and Herzegovina net to end any realistic prospect of a comeback.
The goal ensured a 2-0 victory and confirmed the United States’ progression to the next stage of the tournament, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They join Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Morocco, Norway, France, Mexico, England and Belgium among the teams to have advanced.
Alex Freeman was named man of the match after an influential display at both ends of the pitch. He received an average rating of 7.4 and was recognised for his contribution to the United States’ qualification.
The United States will now turn their attention to Belgium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
