USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina: Balogun and Tillman Send Hosts Into World Cup Round of 16 Despite Red Card Scare

By Marcus Reyes · July 2, 2026 · 4:08 am

USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman sending USMNT into Round of 16 despite late red card scare at Levis Stadium Santa Clara. — The USMNT delivered on home soil! USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

The United States survived a second-half red card to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, booking a last-16 date with Belgium. Goals from Folarin Balogun and a stunning Malik Tillman free-kick did the damage, but it was a night that swung on a single, controversial refereeing decision.

How the Match Unfolded

Mauricio Pochettino’s side started the brighter of the two teams and were rewarded just before half-time when Folarin Balogun turned home his third goal of the tournament to put the hosts 1-0 up. Bosnia and Herzegovina, who had leaned heavily on a disciplined low block through the group stage, struggled to create clear chances against a USA side playing with real tempo in the final third.

The game turned in the 64th minute when referee Raphael Claus, after a lengthy VAR review, showed Balogun a straight red card for dragging his studs down the back of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic’s leg. It was a marginal call that split opinion among pundits and left the USA to see out the final 36 minutes with ten men.

Rather than wilt, the Americans doubled their advantage. In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman stepped up and curled a free-kick beyond the Bosnian wall and into the top corner, a moment of quality that took the game away from the visitors. Christian Pulisic thought he had added a third in the 79th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Key Talking Points

Balogun’s dismissal means he will miss the Round of 16 clash with Belgium, a significant blow given his tournament form. Pochettino was diplomatic in his post-match comments but made clear the USMNT felt the card was harsh. Despite the setback, this result marks just the USA’s second-ever World Cup knockout-round win and their first in 24 years, a genuine landmark for the program on home soil.

Defensively, the USA back line — reorganized after the sending-off — held firm against a Bosnian attack that never found the rhythm it needed. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was rarely troubled, a testament to how well the ten men managed the game state.

What’s Next

The USA advance to face Belgium, fresh off their own dramatic extra-time win over Senegal, in the Round of 16. With Balogun suspended, Pochettino will need to rework his attacking options for what is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage.