U.S. Defeats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, Advances to Face Belgium

The United States defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in a World Cup round of 32 match on July 1, 2026, booking a spot in the knockout round and a Monday meeting with Belgium in Seattle.

Folarin Balogun put Bosnia ahead in the 45th minute, but the U.S. advantage evaporated when he was sent off with a red card in the 64th minute. Referee Raphael Claus of Brazil assessed the card after a video review. Down to 10 men, the Americans refused to break. Malik Tillman sealed the victory on a free kick in the 82nd minute.

This marks only the second World Cup knockout victory in U.S. history—they previously defeated Mexico in 2002. The win also snapped a 10-game losing streak against European teams dating back to a tie against England in the 2022 World Cup.

Balogun’s three goals in the tournament now match Landon Donovan’s single-World Cup record. But his red card triggers an automatic suspension that will keep him out of the Belgium match. Captain Tim Ream summed up the defensive effort: “It felt so comfortable, even down to 10 men.”

Mauricio Pochettino became the first U.S. coach to record three World Cup victories. When the final whistle blew, he broke into “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.

Belgium will be a tough test. The two sides met in the 2014 World Cup round of 16, where Belgium won 2-1 in extra time.