The United States team confirmed its presence in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. The team led by Mauricio Pochettino resolved the match with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman, although they suffered the expulsion of their star striker, who will be out for the next match.

With this result, the American team will face Belgium on July 6 in Seattle, in search of a place among the best eight in the tournament.

Balogun paved the way for the United States

The United States team was superior from the start and was close to opening the scoring before half an hour with a goal from Folarin Balogun, which was finally disallowed for offside.

The Monaco striker found revenge shortly after. After a ball recovery in the rival field and a play with several rebounds inside the area, Tyler Adams assisted Balogun, who scored to make it 1-0 and sign his third goal in the 2026 World Cup.

Before the break, the attacker was close to extending the lead, but the crossbar prevented his double.

The expulsion changed the panorama

When the match seemed on track for those led by Mauricio Pochettino, an action came that changed the development of the match.

In the 64th minute, Folarin Balogun was sent off with a direct red card after a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. The referee reviewed the play on the VAR and decided to show the red card, leaving the United States with one less man during the final stretch.

In addition to complicating the end of the match, the expulsion will prevent the forward from playing in the round of 16 duel.

Tillman sentenced the victory

With a numerical advantage, Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced lines and looked for an equalizer, while the United States resisted the pressure.

Peace came in the 79th minute, when Malik Tillman accurately executed a free kick from the edge of the area to make it 2-0 and ensure the hosts qualified.

The goal sparked celebration at Levi's Stadium, where the American fans celebrated their passage to the next round of the tournament.

Belgium awaits in the round of 16

With the victory, the United States team achieved only its second victory in a direct elimination phase of a World Cup, an important step for the project led by Mauricio Pochettino.

Now, the team will travel to Seattle to face Belgium, which reached the round of 16 after staging a spectacular 3-2 comeback against Senegal.

For its part, Bosnia and Herzegovina closed a memorable participation after reaching the direct elimination phase of a World Cup for the first time, in a match that could also have meant the international farewell of the historic striker Edin Dzeko.